History of Fort Dodge and Webster County, Iowa

HISTORY OF

FORT DODGE

AND

WEBSTER COUNTY

IOWA

VOLUME

CHICAGO

THE PIONEER PUBLISHING COMPANY
1913

■ • • \

THE I^'EW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LeNOX AYIO
TILD6.N FOUNDATIONS.

BIOGRAPHICAL

JOHN F. DUNCOMBE.

John F. Dunconibe, deceased, who was a prominent attorney-at-
law in Fort Dodge, Iowa, was born in W'attsburg, Pennsyhania,
October 22, 183 1. Under the parental roof he spent his boyhood
days and in his native town acquired his early education, which was
supplemented by study in Allegheny College of Meadville, Pennsyl-
vania, and in the Center College at Danville, Kentucky. He was
graduated from both of these institutions before taking up the study
of law in his native town in the office of Marshall & Vincent. He
was admitted to the bar of Pennsylvania and for one year engaged
in the practice of his profession there. In April, 1855, he came to
Fort Dodge, Iowa, and began the practice of law in this city. He
made for himself a creditable place in the ranks of the legal fra-
ternity and was widely known for the care with which he prepared
his cases. In no instance was his reading ever confined to the limita-
tions of the questions at issue; it compassed every contingency and
provided not alone for the expected but as well for the unexpected,
which happens in the courts quite as frequently as out of them. His
logical grasp of the facts and principles of the law applicable to
them has been another potent element in his success, and his remark-
able clearness of expression and precise diction were counted among
his conspicuous gifts and accomplishments. For thirty-seven years
he acted as attorney for the Iowa division of the Illinois Central
Railroad and he served in the same capacity for the Mason City &
Fort Dodge, the Des Moines & h'ort Dodge and the Cherokee &
Dakota Railroads. He practiced in twenty-five counties in the state.
In political and public life Mr. Duncombe was equally prominent.
In 1857, when the news of the Spirit Lake massacre reached Fort
Dodge, he took an active part in raising the troops which were sent
against the Indians, and he acted as captain of Company B. In
1859 he was elected to the state senate from the senatorial district
which was then composed of one-fourth of the entire state. He also
was a member of the lower house for two terms and attended four

6 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COLWTY

general and three special sessions. In 1872 he served as chairman of
the Iowa delegation to the national democratic convention at Balti-
more. For, sixteen years he served as regent of the State University
and he was appointed by Governor Geer to serve on the capital com-
mission but this honor he declined. Because of his public energy
and liberality his name is identified with most of the institutions of
Fort Dodge. The Duncombe Hotel stands in proof of his public
spirit and it is an acknowledged fact that his individual efforts and
support were employed in all enterprises persuading railroad com-
panies to extend their lines into Fort Dodge. In conjunction with
C. B. Richards he developed the coal mines at this place and at
Boone, and he served as secretary for both the Fort Dodge Coal
Company and the Rocky Ford Coal Company of Wyoming Territory.
On May 11, 1859, Mr. Duncombe was married to Miss Mary A.
Williams, a daughter of Major \\'illiam Williams, the patriot-pioneer
of Fort Dodge. To this union seven children were born, including
the following: William E. ; Charles F., publisher of the Chronicle
and former mayor of Fort Dodge; Mary J., wife of Senator W. S.
Kenyon : Gertrude ; and John A. In politics Mr. Duncombe was an
inflexible democrat, stanchly supporting the policies and activities
of that party. His influence was always used along the lines of
reform and progress. He was a charter member of the chapter and
commandery of the Masonic fraternity of this city and also attained
the thirty-third degree of the Scottish Rite. Mrs. Duncombe is
president of the Webster County Historical Society, an office which
she is well qualified to hold, as she has been a resident of this city
since her arrival here in 1855. At i)resent she is li\'ing at the old
home. Fair Oaks. Mr. Duncombe's death occurred .\ugust 2, 1902.
His interest in community affairs was that of a public-spirited citizen
who recognized the opportunities for reform, progress and improve-
ment, and he labored to achieve what could l)e attained in that
direction.

CHARLES LARRABEE.

Charles Larrabee. a leading and respected resident of F^ort Dodge,
living at No. 1222 Si.xth avenue, South, is a well known factor in
financial circles as the vice president and a director of the Iowa
Savings Bank and is also prominent in agricultural circles as a far-
mer and breeder of thoroughbred cattle. His birth occurred in Cler-

<^^^-/jc:^

'C^i^t^

THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOFI, LENOX
TILDE N FOUNDa

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 9

mont, Iowa, on the 13th of June, i86_', his parents being Hon. W'il-
liam and Ann M. (Appehuan) Larrabee. x\ sketch of the father
appears on anotlier page of this work. The paternal grandfather of
our subject was Adam Larrabee, while his maternal grandparents
were Gustavus Adolphus and Prudence Ann (Williams) Appelman.

Charles Larrabee was reared in the city of his nativity and ob-
tained his early education in the public schools, continuing his studies
in the Iowa Agricultural College at Ames. Assisting in the work of
his father's farm, he early became familiar with the duties and labors
that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and in the pursuit of farming
and stock-raising he has found both pride and pleasure. After putting
aside his text-books he went to Kossuth county, Iowa, to look after
his father's landed interests there, and for a period of seven years
resided at Armstrong in Emmet county, just over the Kossuth county
line. Subsequently he came to Fort Dodge and, in association with
E. J. Breen and others, organized the Iowa Savings Bank with a
capitalization of fifty thousand dollars. In the capacity- of \ice
president he has since contributed in large measure to the growth
and success of the institution. He is also connected with the Corn
Belt Packing Company, the E. H. Williams Lumber Company and
the Lehigh Sewer Pipe & Tile Company. The pursuits of faniiint;'
and stock-raising, however, have claimed the major portion of his
time and attention. He and his brother. Senator Frederic Lar-
rabee, are Ijreeders of the Brown Swiss ami Hereford cattle. In
1881, at the Iowa State Fair, he exhibited for liis father tlie first
herd of Brown Swiss cattle ever shown at that fair and received a
silver medal. He owns farms in Kossuth and Lyon counties, and
the cattle farm which he owns in association with his brother com-
prises four hundred acres and lies just soutli of the corporate limits
of Fort Dodge. His interests are varied and important and in
their successful control he lias won a i:re(lital)!e measure of pros-
perity and an enviable reputation for integrity and straight-
forward dealing.

On the Pth of May, 1901, Mr. Larrabee was muted in marriage to
Miss Charlotte Winston Osborn. a native of Ripi^ey, Iowa, and a
daughter of Benjamin F. an<l .Mittie ( Shelton) Osborn, who were
born in Indiana and Virginia respectively. Her parents became early
settlers of Greene county, Iowa, and arc still residents of Rippey,
where Mr. Osborn has been engaged in ilic drug business since 1878.
He was connected with the board of regents at Iowa City and also
with the board of trustees of the Iowa State Teachers' College at

10 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Cedar Falls for a number of years. He has three children, William
S., Wayne M. and Charlotte \\inston Larrabee. The last named is
the mother of three children, namely: Charles, Jr., Frederic Osborn
and Anne.

Charles Larrabee is a stanch repuWican and has been a member
of the Fort Dodge city council for one term. While still a resident
of his native city he served as a member of the Clermont school
board. His wife belongs to the Episcopal church. As a business
man Mr. Larrabee has been conspicuous among his associates, not
only for his success, but for his fairness and honorable methods. In
everything he has been eminently practical, and this has been mani-
fest not only in his business undertakings but in his agricultural,
social and private life.

O. J. WOODARD.

O. J. Woodard is cashier, general manager and a director of the
First National Bank of Lehigh, Iowa, of which city he has been a
resident since 1910. He is a son of John and Ella (Irish) \\'oodard,
the former a native of Maine, his, birth having occurred in 1820,
and the latter a native of Vermont. The father was reared at Fox-
croft, Maine, where he learned the trades of carpenter and mill-
wright. In 1852 he went to California, making the journey by way
of Cape Horn, and after reaching the Golden state was for some time
interested in mining. He then removed to Minnesota in the early
'60s, where he remained until 1871, at which time he located on a
farm of two hundred and si.xteen acres in P.urnside townshi]), Web-
ster county. Iowa. At the time of the discovery of gold in Dead-
wood, South Dakota, he, in company with three men from Fort
Dodge, went to that gold camp, where he remained for some time and
then returned to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he continued to live until
1884. He then removed with his family to his farm in Burnside
township and there died in 1888. He was a member of the Con-
gregational church. He was united in marriage to Miss Ella Irish
in Minnesota. At an early age she removed with her parents from
Vermont and settled in Wisconsin. Later the family took up their
abode in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Woodard were the parents of
four children: Belle, the wife of \\'. A. Van \\'inkle. li\ing at
Davton, Iowa; Fern, who also resides in Davton : Beatrice, who mar-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 11

ried O. L. Smith, of Oiiincy, Michigan; and O. J., the subject of this
sketch. The mother of this family is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church and now resides with her eldest daughter in Dayton.
O. J. \\'oodard was reared at home and received his early educa-
tion in the public schools of Fort Dodge and later pursued a course
in the Highland Park College at Des Moines, Iowa. After completing
his education he was engaged in farming from 1893 to January, 1907.
His father died when the subject of this review was a j^outh of thir-
teen years and for nineteen years following his father's death he
had charge of the home farm, a position which he filled during his
college days. He was also subsequently deputy treasurer of Webster
county, serving under Mr. Hadley, who was the treasurer. He later
filled the position of cashier of the State Savings Bank at Yetter,
Iowa, and as such continued for fifteen months. On January i, 1910,
he removed to Lehigh and there accepted the position as cashier and
general manager of the First National Bank of that city, also serving
on the board of directors, and has since devoted his attention to the
interests of the bank. Besides his interest in the bank he is engaged
in stock-raising, specializing in pure-bred Aberdeen Angus cattle.
The undertaking is conducted on a rented farm, four miles from
Lehigh in Burnside township, and our subject is the manager.

Mr. ^^'oodard was united in marriage to Miss Nora B. Tennant,
a native of Burnside township and a daughter of J. W. and Jane
Tennant. both of whom are residents of Burnside. To Mr. and Mrs.
\\'oodar(l two children have been born, Irene and Sibyl, both attend-
ing public school. Mr. Woodard belongs to the republican party and
has fraternal relations with the Masonic lodge at Lehigh, of which
he is senior warden. He is one of the progressive and representative
men of Webster county and a man who by strict integrity in business
matters has won the confidence and esteem of all his friends and
associates.

FRANK ERNEST PRUSI.\.

A hi.story of commercial development and progress in Fort Dodge
would be incomplete were there failure to make reference to the
Prusia Hardware Company, which was established in 1855 and of
wiiich Frank Ernest Prusia is the secretary. This is one of the oldest
business enterprises of the city and at its head are men — father and

12 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

son — who figure prominently and honorably as factors in the pros-
perity of the city. Frank E. Prusia was born in Fort Dodge, April
9, 1871, his parents being Emanuel and Alary (Cohvell) Prusia, the
former a native of Michigan and the latter of Maine. The paternal
grandfather became one of the pioneers of Michigan and during the
gold excitement in California he went to the Pacific coast. He died
in middle life, while his wife, Mrs. Mary Prusia, passed away later.
After losing her first husband she became the wife of George Klinedob.
The only son of her first marriage is Emanuel E. Prusia. who was
reared in Michigan and, when fourteen years old, came to Iowa-.
F'or some time he was employed in the postoffice in Des Moines and
he afterward became an early settler of Fort Dodge, where in 18^5
he established the hardware business that is now one of the chief
commercial enterprises of the city. He conducted this store under
the name of the Prusia Hardware Company, of which he is still the
president. The firm was incorporated in 1891, and their salesroom
was originally located west of the Duncombe Hotel but for many
years has been at Xo. 608 Central avenue. Honored and respected
by all, there is no man in Fort Dodge who occupies a more prominent
position in commercial and financial circles than does Emanuel E.
Prusia, not only by reason of the success that he has achieved but
also owing to the straightforward business policies that he has ever
followed. He wedded Mary Colweil. a daughter of Charles and
Delia Colweil, who were natives of Maine. Her father was a farmer
by occupation and became one of the early settlers of Douglas town-
ship, Webster county. Iowa, where he died when well advanced in
years. His wife passed away in Furt Dodge. They had a large
family including George, Mary, Charles, Frank, Damie, Jerome.
Fred and Sarah. Their daughter, Mary, who l)ecame the wife of
Emanuel E. Prusia, passed away in 1886, at the age of forty-one
years. She was a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist
church, to which ]\lr. Prusia also ])elongs. iMnanuel F. Prusia has
membership relations with the Odd Fellows society. In his fam-
ily were three children, but Frank E. is the only one living. The
second son. Leon, died at the age of fifteen vears and Earle died
in infancy.

Frank Ernest Prusia was reared in Fort Dodge and attended the
public schools, while later he pursued a cour^.e of studies in Cornell
College at Mount Vernon, Iowa. Throughout his entire business
career he has been connected with his father's establishment, first as
a clerk in the store, while later he was admitted to a partnership.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 13

The following year he became secretary of the company, which was
incorporated to conduct a business that had grown from a small
beginning to extaisive proportions. Their trade is large and the
success of the institution is due to the progressive, modern methods
of the owners. They handle all kinds of shelf and heavy hardware,
stoves, furnaces and tinware and. iia\e a business that has grown
year by year and is now extensive.

On the 30th of October, 1895, Frank E. Prusia was married to
Miss Sadie Thompson, a daughter of John Thompson. She was
born in Watsunville, California, and it was there that she was mar-
ried. Her parents were natives of Ireland and died in W'atsom'ille.
They had eleven children who reached adult age, Julia, Peter. Lizzie,
Joseph, John, Edward, Maggie, Chris, Mary, Katie and Sadie. Mr.
and Mrs. Prusia hold membership in the Sacred Heart Catholic church.
They are well known in Fort Dodge, where they have long resided,
and their many friends include the best residents of the city, indi-
cating that their social and other qualities are such as win them high
regard and popularity.

WTLLL^M R. TURNER. M. D.

One of the most promising young physicians in Badger, Iowa, is
Dr. William R. Turner, who since 1909 has been connected with the
general practice of medicine in that community and has met with
gratifying success. He was born in Des Moines on September 3, 1S84,
and is a son of Robert and Sarah (Allen) Turner, the former a
native of Scotland and the latter of Des Mwines. His father came
to America when he was ten years of age, making the journey with
his jiarents. He liad talent for invention and great mechanical dex-
terity. The Jewett typewriter and a machine for making barbed
wire are among the products of his labors. He followed the trade
of a machinist and draftsman for a number of years and is now living
retired in Des ]\Ioines. having reached the age of fifty-four vcars.
His wife is fifty-three years of age.

William R. Turner was reared at iiome ;aid was educated in tlie
public schools of Des Moines. Sul)sei|uent to com])]eting tiie usual
course of studies he entered his fatlier's macJiine shop and following
a few years of activity there he enrolled in Drake University. .After

14 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

some preparatory work in tliat institution he took up the study of
medicine, graduating with the degree of M. D. in 1908. In the
following year he came to Badger and commenced the general prac-
tice of medicine. He is the only doctor in the village and has built
up during the three years of his residence here a reputation as a
skillful, efficient and thoroughly capable physician. He is progressive
and enterprising I^ut never radical, a close and earnest student, and
a practical doctor whose work up to the present time is a strong
indication of greater success in the future.

In July. 1906, Dr. Turner was united in marriage to Aliss Jessie
E. Grigsby. a daughter of Luther and Annette (Sutton) Grigsby,
the former a native of Kansas and the latter of Des Moines. Dr.
and Mrs. Turner had one child, Jessie E., who died in November, 1907.

The subject of th?s review is prominent in many capacities. He
owns his office and residence on the main street of the town and
serves as health officer, doing able and efficient work in that position.
He is a member of the Webster County and the State Medical Socie-
ties and is also active in the affairs of the Improved Order of Red-
men. He is a democrat and belongs to the English Lutheran church.
He has mastered his profession in all its details and keeps in touch
w ith the progress made in medical science by constant reading. He
adds to his scientific knowledge the qualities of integrity and con-
scientiousness and is therefore well liked and prosperous.

M. X. COREY

M. X. Corey, who is owner and manager of the Morning Star
Mill at I.chigh, was horn in I'ort Dodge. Iowa. March 22, 1880. His
father. H. A. Corey, was a native of Illinois, and later removed to
I'Ort Dodge, where he was engaged in mining, and in 1882 he came
to Lehigh, where he operated a coal mine for several years. About
1891 he engaged in the dry-goods and shoe business in this city and
in the fall of 1900 built the Morning Star Mill, which he owned and
operated until 1908, when M, X'^. Corey, our subject, became the
owner. He was also interested in the Corey Pressed Brick Plant,
together with his brollicrs, 1-rank, Silas and George Corey, being
connected with that i)lant for about three years. At the time of his
death he was engaged in the mercantile business. He also erected
the store building which is occupied by Craft & Son. .\f Fort

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 15

Dodge. Iowa, Mr. Corey was marrieil to Miss Cora E. Deering. a
native of Illinois, and to this union was born one son, M. N., of
this review. H. A. Corey passed away in May^ 1908, at his home
in Lehigh, Iowa, and his \\-ife now resides at Long Beach, Cali-
fornia.

M. X. Corey attended the puhlic schools of Lehigh and later was a
student at Drake Lnixersity in Des Moines. Ever since the starting
of the mill at Lehigh he has been associated with the work of the
same and in May, 1908, purchased the plant and has since operated
it. He has made many improvements on the same and now lias a
private electrical plant, which supplies both his mill and residence.
He keeps the plant running steadily as a custom-exchange mill and
the output is sold mostly in the neighboring districts. Mr. Corey is
carrying on an extensive business and does general milling. He also
owns a beautiful home here, which lie erected in 1909.

Mr. Corey married Miss Mildred Dugger, who is the daughter of
T. T. Dugger. To Mr. and Mrs. Corey has been born a son, Thomas
Henry. In his political views Mr. Corey is a republican, and fra-
ternal Iv he is a member of the ^lodern Woodmen of America, lie-
longing to that lodge at Lehigh. He is a man of marked enterprise,
positive character and strict integrity, and he has ever been greatly
interested in the growth and prosperity of his community. His life
is exemplary in many respects and he has the esteem of all his friends
and the confidence of those who have had business relations w ith him.

FREDERICK RUEBEL.

Frederick Ruebel is a retired farmer of Webster county, where for
forty years he cultivated two hundred and forty acres of land, meet-
ing with well deserved success in his agricultural activities. He is
also a veteran of the Ci\'il war. .Mr. Kucbel was iKjrn in .\'e\\ N ork
on April i, 1838, and is a son of I'hilli]) and Margaret (Schopfer)
Ruebel, natives of Germany. His father came to America at an
early date and located in Xew York, where he worked at his trade
of shoeniaking for several years. Eventually, however, he took up
farming, following this occupation for some time in New York, be-
fore he removed to Cedar b'alls, Iowa. Here he worked at his
trade for some time, coming in 1876, to Calhoun county, Iowa,
where he purchased and improved a one hundred and sixty-acre

16 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

tract of land, which he operated until 1885, when he retired from
active life and moved to Manson, this state, where he made his
home until his death, which occurred in April, 1893. He had
long survived his wife, who died in i860.

Frederick Ruebel was reared at home and was educated in the
public schools of New York. After he laid aside his books he worked
for a short time by the month as a farm laborer, being thus en-
gaged at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. He then en-
listed in Company K, F^ifth New York Heavy Artillery, in March,
1864, and served for one year, receiving his honorable discharge at
the close of hostilities. He was mustered out in August, 1865, and
returned immediately to New York, where after a short time dur-
ing which he worked as a laborer, he rented land and operated it
for two years. At the expiration of that time he went to Humboldt,
Iowa, but after one year's residence in this city moved to Webster
county, settling in this section in April, 1869. Here he purchased
eighty acres of land in Johnson township and began its improvement
and cultivation. He was successful in his undertaking owing to his
familiarity with and experience in agricultural details, which he had
gained as farm hand. He added to his holdings from time to time
and his farm now comprises two hundred and forty acres of fertile
antl jiriKluctive land. He gave his attention tn its operation until
the spring of 1909. when he retired from active life and moved to
Barnum, where he jjurchased a comfortable and attractive Imme, in
which he has resided since that time.

On January i, 1867, -Mr. Ruebel was united in marriage to Miss
Adaline Miller, a daughter of Michael and .Xdaline Miller, nalix'es of
Ciermany. Mrs. Ruebel's father came to America at an early date
and located in New York, where he followed farming until his death
which ctcurred in 1877. His wife survived him many years, passing
away in 1897. To Mr. and Mrs. Ruebel have been Ixirn two chil-
dren : William I*"., who is a w ell kn(iwn farmer of Johnson town-
ship; and Arthur P.. manager of the I'armers F.levalnr Company
of Barnum.

In his political views Mr. Ruebel is a consistent republican and is
intelligently interested in public affairs. He belongs to the German
Lutheran church. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Com-
pany and in the Barnum Telephone Company and has served for
seventeen years as treasurer of Johnson township. He has held the
office of trustee and is at the present time a member of the town

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 17

council, making his retired life as vital a force in local progress and
growth, as his years actively spent in agricultural life.

JAMES D. LOWRY, M. D.

Dr. James D. Lowry, a well known physician and surgeon of
Fort Dodge, has here followed his profession for the past eleven
years and has enjoyed a steadily growing and gratifying practice.
He was born in this city and is a son of Edward and Ellen (Breen)
Lowry, natives of County Tipperary, Ireland. His paternal grand-
parents, John and Catharine (Dunn) Lowry, died on the Emerald
isle when well advanced in years. Their children were, Thomas,
Christopher, James, Joseph, Edward, Elizabeth, Catharine and Mary.

Edward Lowry, the father of Dr. James D. Lowry, was reared
in his native country and there remained until 1856, when he crossed
the Atlantic to the United States. In 1869 he came to Iowa, settled
in Fort Dodge and began working at railroading. His demise, here
occurred in 1897, when he had attained the age of sixty-three years.
His wife was calletl to her final rest in the year 1878. Both were
devout communicants of the Catholic church. They were the parents
of eight children, six of whom grew to maturity, namely : Catharine,
who is a resident of Fort Dodge; John B., also living in Fort Dodge;
Joseph A., of Des Moines; James D., of this review; Thomas F. ;
and Edward V., deceased.

James D. Lowry was reared in Fort Dodge and attended the
parochial and public schools in the acquirement of an education,
completing the high-school course in 1896. Having determined upon
the practice of medicine as a life work, he entered the college of
medicine of the State L'niversity of Iowa, which institution con-
ferred upon him the degree of M. D. in 190 1. Opening an office in
Fort Dodge soon afterward, he has here practiced continuously since
and has had well merited success as a representative of the medical
profession. He belongs to the Webster County Medical Society, the
Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association
and thus keeps in close touch with the most advanced methods of the
fraternity.

Politically Dr. Lowry is a republican, believing firmly in the prin-
ciples of that party. He was elected to the office of county coroner
in 1906 and has been twice reelected since that time. Fraternally
he is identiiied with the following organizations: Fort Dodge Coun-

18 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

cil, No. 613, Knights of Columbus; the CathoHc Order of Foresters;
the Woodmen of the World; the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks; and the Eagles. He is a devoted communicant of the Catholic
church and a pcipuhir member i>i the Country Club of Fort Dodge.
His residence is at No. 199 North First street, and in both profes-
sional and social circles of his native city he is well known and highly
esteemed.

JONATHAN PRENTISS DOLLIVER.

Politician-ship develops mto statesmanship along readilv discern-
ible lines. Honor and incorruptible integrity are fundamental forces
in the evolution and are aided by a broad, cultured liberal mind, dis-
cernment, forcefulness, decisiveness and indefatigable energy. In-
dividual character has much to do with the change and no politician
can aspire to enter into that higher rank of men of nation-wide repu-
tation and usefulness, who is not, first of all, an honest man. These
are standards of statesmanship and judged by them the late Senator
Jonathan P. Dolliver, who passed to his final rest on October 15, 1910,
orator, lawyer, representative and United States senator from Iowa,
stands forth in exalted prominence. His death was a distinct loss to
the .\merican nation and to its social, economic and ix)litical life.

Senator Dolliver was born near Kingwood, Preston county, Vir-
ginia, in the section of that state which is now \\'est Virginia, Febru-
ary 6, 1858. His father, James J. Dolliver, was one of the dis-
tinguished men in the Methodist Episcopal ministry and was an active
factor in the development of that church. He was a man of ability
along religious lines, guided unerringly by a humane and human spirit,
which won him the confidence and affection of his parishioners. He
was married in 1855 to Miss Eliza J. Brown, a daughter of Robert
Brown, a native of Preston county, West Virginia. Five children
were born to this union: Robert H., who has followed in his
father's footsteps in a useful and distinguished career as a Methodist
minister; Jonathan P., the subject of this sketch; Victor B., born in
1 861, who followed the profession of law in Fort Dodge, Iowa, until
his death; Margaret Gay; and Mary H., the wife of E. R. Graham,
of Evanston, Illinois.

Jonathan P. Dolliver was educated in public schools in \\'est Vir-
ginia and with his brother Robert entered the University of W'est
Virginia, from which he was graduated in 1875. He made wise use
of every educational opportunity and when he had. concluded his col-

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HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY ' 19

lege career engaged in teaching school. He followed this occupation
for one year in Sandwich, Illinois, preliminary to a legal career. The
profession of law had always attracted him. In pursuance of his
ambition he spent the next year in the offices of his uncle, John J.
Brown, a prominent attorney in Morganstown, and laid the founda-
tion at this time of an eminent career. He interrupted his studies for
one year to return to Sandwich, Illinois, where he accepted the posi-
tion as principal of the high school. In 1878 he resumed his legal
studies and with his brother, Robert H. Dolliver, invested all
his savings in law books. They eventually came to Fort
Dodge, Iowa, where they opened a law office. The story of their
early career is the usual record of struggle every young lawyer
experiences. Young and practically unknown, they had few assets be-
yond youthful energy and undaunted hope. Time, however, and suc-
cess after success gradually brought them a clientage. The future
senator early in his career showed decided talent and understanding
of situations and questions of a public nature and gained a reputation
which spread throughout the surrounding counties for his brilliant
oratory. He was frequently called upon to make public addresses
and his work in the lecture field at this period of his life is even flow
remembered. \Miat reputation he had was entirely local, howe\er,
and limited by the boundaries of his adopted state. His political ca-
reer when it began was meteoric. He was a comparativeh' unknown
lawyer, with a local reputation for oratory and with no important
connection witli republican politics in the state- In 1884, however,
he was invited to take the temporary chairmanship of the republican
state convention, held at Des Moines, and on that occasion made a
speech. The state of Iowa rang with his words and the nation
echoed with their broad significance. Mr. Dolliver found himself
famous. He at once became a man of national prominence. His
brilliant mind was recognized by republican leaders and his talents
were hailed as national assets in the republican campaign. He was
called east and took a conspicuously successful part in the memoral)le
campaign which nominated James G. Blaine as the republican can-
didate for the presidency of the United States. Senator Dolliver
accomplished effective work in the republican cause by his inspiring
and convincing addresses, in which he analyzed the situation in a
wonderfully clear manner. In every ensuing campaign Senator
Dolliver assisted his party and was always on hand when help was
needed in an emergency. His career in the United States congress
began in 1888. His nomination as republican representative came

22 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

unsolicited, it may be said, as a gift of the people of Iowa to a well
beloved citizen. In 1886 Senator Dolliver's friends in the tenth
Iowa congressional district tendered him the republican nomination
for congressman. A prominent figure connected with this event was
Cyrus C. Carpenter, of Fort Dodge, fomier governor of Iowa and
ex-congressman from the tenth district. Senator Dolliver, however,
was defeated by the election of A. J. Holmes, of Boone county,
and the event marked a crucial period in his public life. Two years
later he was unanimously nominated in the republican convention
held at Webster City and was elected by a large majority over his
nearest rival. Never since that time did he meet setbacks
in his political career. He was renominated by acclamation and
elected to the United States house of representatives every year
up to and including 1900.

Senator Dolliver's activities in public life were distinguished by
a broad and liberal knowledge along social, economic and politi-
cal lines. His character molded his political destiny to final
triumphant success. He had a record of never giving his vote
to an unworthy or useless cause and his career in its entirety was
marked by intelligent labor in the promotion of the welfare of
state and nation. His identification with the United States senate
began in 1900. On July 14, of that year, Senator John H. Geer
passed away and his death left a vacancy in the upper house of con-
gress. Senator Dolliver seemed the logical man for the office. His
friends rallied to his cause and on August 22, 1900, Governor Shaw
appointed him United States senator to fill the vacancy caused by the
death of Senator Geer. The favor and approval with which this ap-
pointment was received b)^ the i)eople of Iowa was a surprise even to
Senator Dolliver's most intimate friends and showed the strength of
his political following in an adequate and gratifying manner. When
the unexpired term was completed and Senator Dolliver came up for
election there was no opposition to his candidacy. He was elected
unanimously by both houses of the legislature in 1902 and reelected
by acclamation in 1908. He served in the United States senate with
conspicuous ability, until his death, in 19 10, giving his influence to
that progressive movement in his party inaugurated to better existing
conditions in government and nation- It was well known to every
prominent jwlitical leader in 1900, but perhaps not to the general pub
lie. that Senator Dolliver was strongly urged to become a candidate
for vice president on the ticket with AIcKinley in 1900. In a memo-
rial address Hon. Lafayette Young, of Iowa, speaking of this, said:
"After Dolliver had served in the house and his reputation had lie-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 23

come national he was frequently mentioned for the office of vice pres-
ident, and some months before his death there had been a conspicuous
expression that he would some time be president. Just before the
convening of the republican national convention held in Philadelphia
in 1900 a great western newspaper suggested Senator Dolliver tor
vice president. The movement grew to be one of importance. 1 was
a delegate to that convention and received a telegram from my asso-
ciate delegates, already at Philadelphia, to come on at once, prepared
to help the Dolliver movement and to prepare a speech to be used in
placing him before the convention. I proceeded at once to Philadel-
phia and our political activities began. We opened headquarters.
We secureil banners and a band of music. Then we began to inquire
in relation to our candidate. We discovered that he was stopping
with friends in a Philadelphia suburb and that he was much uncon-
cerned in regard to the suggestion of his name. He was urged, and
yet his enthusiasm did not grow. He was asked to go before the
Iowa delegation and finally did so, but with half -unconcerned and
lukewarm spirit. The Dollixer enthusiasm had not reached Dolliver;
but his friends continued their campaign in his behalf. Congres-
sional associates visited headquarters and urged the movement for-
ward; but the Senator said that he could not afford to be vice presi-
dent: that the social requirements were too many. The only other
name mentioned for vice president was that of Colonel Roosevelt.
Colonel Roosevelt's friends were urging him not to be a candidate
and not to accept the place, giving as a reason that four years later they
hoped to nominate him for president. This, then, was the situation :
Senator Dolliver's friends were urging him to accept the vice presi-
dential nomination, regardless of his future, and Colonel Roosevelt's
friends were determined that he should not accept, having in mind his
future. 1 have always believed that if Colonel Roosevelt had not con-
sented to accept the nomination Senator Dolliver would have been the
nominee, and thus the whole course of history might have been
changed. The negotiations and consultations among party leaders
were numerous. Senators Piatt, of New York, and Quay, of Penn-
svlvania. then conspicuous in party management, were anxious for the
nomination of Colonel Roosevelt, to make what they called a 'well-
balanced ticket,' meaning that men of dififerent types should be chosen
for the two great offices; but these party leaders were unable to secure
Colonel Roosevelt's consent. A little later in the proceedings these
two senators, now dead, left the field, placing everything in charge of
Senator Mark Hanna. Senator TIanna was chairman of the repub-
lican national committee. With his usual energy he undertook to

24 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

ascertain the situation. It is doubtlessly true that he knew the situa-
tion. There had been so much in the way of diplomacy between the
camps that the situation was generally known to active party men.
The first thing Senator Hanna did was to call upon Senator Dolliver
and his friends. Learning that the Senator did not have his heart
in the cause, he asked the Senator and myself to go with him to call
upon Colonel Roosevelt for the purpose of securing an acceptance or
an unequivocal refusal. Colonel Roosevelt had all the time refused
to say that he would not accept the nomination for vice president, re-
fusing to assume that the office was beneath him for the reason that
he regarded it as a great office. We called upon Colonel Roose\elt.
Senator Hanna asked him, 'Colonel Roosevelt, will you accept the
nomination for \ice president ? ' As I remember it, tlie Colonel re-
sponded, T will, at your hands and at the hands of the entire republi-
can party.' Then Senator Dolliver turned and with a smile said.
'It is all over. My name shall not be used.' Senator Hanna asked
Colonel Roosevelt who would present his name. The Colonel turned
to Senator Dolliver and Senator Dolliver turned to me, remarking that
'You can just change your speech a little and nominate the Colonel'
Senator Hanna then, turning to me, said, 'It is up to you, young man."
My speech nominating Dolliver had already gone out to the Press
Association and had to be suppressed by wire. This is the story of
the vice presidency at Philadelphia, briefly told."

One of the best estimates of the work and character of Senator
Dolliver is found in Munsey's Magazine of September, 191 2, and
reads as follows :

"It does injustice to none to say that there was but one Dolliver
in the generation in which he made his record of public service.
When he died, he was the acknowledged leader of what was then
known as 'insurgency' within the republican party.

"The great things of which Dolliver was so large a part when
they were yet small have moved on and on. We have got far enough
away from their beginnings to make it hard to realize what a heroic
figure he was, as he stood in the senatorial forum but three short
years ago, defying the agents of privilege and 'regularity,' warning
them that they had entered upon a course in which the nation could
not and would not follow them.

"For his answer, he was read out of the party that he had served
and honored from boyhood; but that was the least of his concerns.
He knew that the vast majority of the party were with him in senti-
ment and sympathy; he had confidence that in due time that fact
would declare itself, and he would be vindicated.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 25

"It was not the passion of a moment that made DolHver defy and
flaunt the ruling powers of his party. He had been slow to believe
that influences of the most reprehensible sort had secured a grip
upon it that menaced the very spirit of popular institutions. He
served nearly a quarter of a century in congress, a devoted partv
man, before he became convinced that the destinies of the nation
could possibly be insecure in the control of his party. He found,
on occasion, it is true, that the men who represented his party's
leadership in legislation were frequently unresponsive when he urged
upon them policies that he confidently believed to be in the interest
of the whole country; but still he hesitated to believe that his party,
as such, had fallen into the control of bad influences, and could no
longer be trusted.

"The first awakening came to him in 1906, when he assumed
congressional leadership of the movement for strengthening the inter-
state commerce laws. He found the powers of party, or regularity,
of capitalized privilege, not only in his own party, but in the opposi-
tion, hostile to that movement. He began to wonder, to surmise, to
contemplate the possibilities involved in such a situation; but, by dint
of a magnificent fight, the needed legislation was at last passed, and
to Dolliver it seemed for the moment a vindication of his theory
that his own party could finally be trusted to meet any emergency of
public service.

"Following closely upon this came the experience of the tariff
session of 1909. Dolliver believed in a different tariff program than
that which the party leaders had adopted. He was sincere, and
believed that his was the only program that any sincere man could
accept. He could not, this time, bring the ruling coterie to accept his
views, ^^'eek after week, month after month of that session, Dol-
liver and the little host that gathered at his back, fought for con-
cession, and gained none.

"In the end they were steam-rolled out of the fight, and the law
was passed as the bosses wanted it. Then Dolliver realized, as he
had never done before, that there was serious doubt whether his
party could be trusted. He became frankly, openly insurgent against
the whole scheme of things, against the entire existing regime of
the party's government.

"Patronage was withdrawn, social ostracism was imposed, politi-
cal destruction was menaced; but Dolliver would not turn back. He
had at last formed his purpose. The party to which he had given
his career and his talents must be reformed — from within.

"That was the message he gave the country in his last public

26 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

utterances. He used all he possessed of eloquence, of sarcasm, invec-
tive, irony, appeal, to win a following among the people in congress
and out, who could see as plainly as he could. He came up to leader-
ship almost in a day. Other men had been plodding that same path
for years before he had entered upon it ; but when he became con-
vinced that his duty carried him along with them, he went to the
head of the line. He was the great popular figure, the favored orator,
the Mirabeau of the insurgent movement.

" 'Here is our real leader," the country first vaguely felt, then
began to say aloud.

"It turned to him as the man who could if that lay in any man's
power, save the republican party and bring it back to the higher ideals
of its founders. He was strong with party men, because he had
always been the most loyal of them all. They knew that Dolliver
would go as far as any to save the party; but they knew, too, that
he wanted to save it for service to the nation, not as a monument
of longevity in senility. They believed in him.

"That is why Dolliver, had he li\ed, would have been the leader
He occupied the great, big place in the popular imagination. The
people lo\ed him, believed in him, and rose to those magnificent
appeals that none so well as he could formulate and deliver.

"Had he lived, he would, in all human probal)ility, have been
the nominee of the republican party, this year, for the presidency.
He was never hated by the men who could not agree with him. He
would have become the meeting-point of many men and many minds.
The public would have demanded him ; the organization, weakened
and fearful, would have yielded. He would have been nominated,
the party would have substantially united at his back, and he would
ha\e led it to higher planes, to nobler purposes of true usefulness,
than it has known in many years.

"Just on the eve of this magnificent opportunity that almost every-
Ijody, better than he, saw was opening to him, death came and ended
it all. He had known for a long while that his hold on life was inse-
cure : that organic disorders had weakened his heart ; that he might
go suddenly, and at any time. Knowing that, he never spared him-
self, never avoided the heat and burden of the day. Rather, he sought
to do more than his share.

"But for the excesses of study and effort which he imposed upon
himself during the tariff session of 1909 and the railroad session of
1910, Dolliver would probably be alive to-day. He knew the danger
he was in\iting when he assumed those labors. He gave up his life
and the brilliant prospect of a triumphant climax to his career, in his
devotion to what he believed the duty of the hour.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 27

"He did more than any other man to make the forward movement
the power it now has become in this nation; and he offered himself
as the richest sacrifice that was laid on its altar. As truly as ever
a soldier in the trenches, he gave his life for his country."

On November 20, 1895, Senator Dolliver was united in marriage
to Miss Louise Pearsons, a daughter of George R. Pearsons, of Fort
Dodge. Mrs. Dolliver was born in Vermont but has spent her life
since she was two years of age in Iowa. She is a graduate of W'el-
lesley College in the class of 1889, and her intellectual attainments
were a cooperant factor in her husband's brilliant and useful work
in the world. Senator and ]\Irs. Dolliver were the parents of three
children, Margaret Eliza, Frances Pearsons and Jonathan Prentiss.
On October 15, 1910, Senator Dolliver died. Political opponents
clasped hands over his grave in the universal brotherhood of sorrow ;
party lines disappeared before the Grim Reaper and his work is today
a vital factor in the life of Iowa and of the nation. One of our fore-
most statesmen, gifted with political ability second to none, his death
marked the passing of a man who had gained the esteem and love
of the people of his state, prominence and distinction in America, and
honor throughout the world.

JAMES BLAKELY \\ILLIAMS.

No history of Fort Dodge would be complete without ex-
tended reference to James Blakely Williams, who was but twelve
years of age when he first visited the site of the city. It had
been selected as an army post but it was not until the following
year that the city was laid out, with his father as one of its
promoters and incorporators. From that period until his death
he lived here and his life work became an integral chapter in the
history of the community. James Blakely Williams was born in
Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, May 11, 1836, a son of Major Wil-
liam Williams and Judith Lloyd ( McConnell) Williams, both of
whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the birthplace of the latter
being Huntingdon. Of the five children born to tliem, two sur-
vived, James Blakely and Mary Augustine, who became the wife
of J. F. Duncombe. The father. Major Williams, was a l)anker
in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, until 1849. when attracted by
the opportunities and advantages of the growing west, he left
his native state. He was born in Greensburg, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, December 6, 1796, and was reared and

28 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

educated among the frontier men of that period, men who had
served in the Revolutionary war and had participated in the
contest with the Indians for the supremacy of the country. In
early life Major Williams became well versed in military tactics
and it was his desire to enter upon a military career. When
sixteen years of age he obtained his father's consent to join the
army but circumstances arose that made this course impossible.
He visited both Pittsburg and Carlisle, where schools were es-
tablished for cavalry and flying artillery. Events, however,
forced him to turn his attention to a commercial rather than a
mihtary career and he obtained the position of teller in the
Westmoreland Bank of Pennsylvania at Greensburg. This was
one of the forty banks chartered during the administration of
Governor Snyder. After serving in that capacity for some time
he resigned his position and began the manufacture of salts on the
Kiskiminitas river. \\'ith his father's death the responsibility of
providing for and educating the other children of the family
devolved upon Major Williams, a burden which he assumed
willingly, recognizing at once his obligation in that direction.
About that time he accepted an appointment which gave him
charge of seven different mercantile establishments, the principal
one of which was at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. It was while
there that he was married on the 19th of August, 1830, to Miss
Judith Lloyd McConnell. On the completion of the canal he re-
moved to Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where he opened and
conducted a store, and while there he was tendered the appoint-
ment of teller of the Exchange Bank of Pittsburg, which position
he accepted, removing to the latter city. The liank determined to
establish a branch at Hollidaysburg and Mr. \\ iliiams returned to
that place to become cashier of the new institution, with wiiich
he was thus connected for some years. On the 15th of May.
1842, his wife died and about that time he was tendered the
command of the Third Regiment in the Fenian cause, intended
to act in concert with Smith O'Brien in Ireland. Tliis regiment
was made up mostly of officers and soldiers who had served in
Mexico.

On the I2th of February, 1844, Major Williams was again
married, his second union being with Miss Jeannette J. Quinan,
a daughter of the Rev. Thomas H. Quinan. of Philadelphia. Tiiey
continued residents of Pennsylvania until March, 1849. when they
started for low-a. Major Williams iM-inging out a company of one

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 29

hundred and forty-one people. Upon arriving at Muscatine he
found that the Indians were occasioning considerable trouble,
three companies of United States troops, under command of
Major Samuel Woods, arriving at Muscatine about that time on
their way to Indiantown. Being acquainted with the greater
number of officers. Major Williams accompanied them, taking
with him his son James Blakely Williams, then a youth of
twelve years. A site was selected on which to establish a post,
called Fort Clark, now Fort Dodge, and Major Armstead was
dispatched with a company of troops to the points designated.
Major Williams, at the request of General Churchill, Major
Woods and Captain Caster, went to Fort Snelling, as Governor
Ramsey was then having difficulty with the Chippewa and Sioux
Indians, who were collecting their forces for a general war. After
the soldiers left Fort Dodge, the object of their mission having
been accomplished, Major Williams opened a sutler's store and
traded with the Indians. The firm of Henn, Williams & Company
platted the town, now the city of Fort Dodge and here Major
Williams resided until his death, which occurred February 26,
1874. He was not only the founder of the town but one of its
chief promoters, his labors constituting an important element in
its substantial growth and improvement for many years. His
name is inseparably interwoven with its history. Major Williams
was the first postmaster and the first mayor of Fort Dodge and
he cooperated in all the various movements which tended to
advance the interests of the community. During the latter years
of his life he lived retired, enjoying a well earned and well merited
rest. A man of liberal education and of high moral character,
he was also of a genial disposition and kindly spirit. These com-
bined qualities well fitted him for leadership and he left the im-
press of his individuality for good upon the community in which
he made his home.

James Blakely Williams, son of Major Williams, became a
resident of Fort Dodge when thirteen years of age. He pursued
his education under the direction of his father and when the Civil
war broke out enlisted as a member of Company I, of the Thirty-
second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under Major Hutchinson, con-
tinuing at the front throughout the period of hostilities. He was
a fine penman, by reason of which he wa.s detailed to act as chief
clerk at headquarters under General A. J. Smith. Following
the war he returned to Fort Dodge, where he opened a set of

30 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

abstract books of the county, and continued in the abstract
business until his death, having as liis partner his niece, Miss
Maude Lauderdale, who now owns the books and the business
and is well known in Webster county as the present incumbent
in the office of county recorder. Like his father, James B. Wil-
liams was active in promoting the welfare, upbuilding and progress
of Fort Dodge along many lines. Li his business atifairs he was
ever methodical and systematic, his records being accurate and
reliable, while his books were a marvel of neatness. He was one
of the best known men in the county and none were held in higher
regard.

On the 2d of June, 1862, James B. Williams was married, while
home from the army on a furlough, to Miss Annie R. Marshall,
a daughter of Robert and Mary Catharine (Luther) Marshall.
Mrs. Williams was born in Brooklyn, New York, August 8, 1842,
and is a granddaughter of Thomas and Fanny (Freelove)
Marshall, the former a native of England and the latter of New
York. Both died during the cholera epidemic in that state in
1838. They were parents of the following named: James, Thomas,
Mary, Robert. John R., Sarah and Hettie. Of these the first three
died of cholera. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Williams was
John Luther, who married Catherine Baizley. Thev were both
natives of New York and lived to a ripe old age.

Robert Marshall, father of Mrs. Williams, was born in New
York city and while in P.rooklyn was a rope manufacturer, owning
an extensive factory which covered nine blockj. He removed
westward in the "60s, making the journey with a companv of
seventeen people, and settled on the borders of Humboldt and
Webster counties, where he engaged in farming. Unto him and
his wife were born thirteen children. Catharine E.. Robert J.,
Thomas A.. Mary Grace, John Luther. Sadie F., Annie R.. John
Luther H. Margaret Antoinette. William K. and Fannv F.. twins,
Cornelia Cox and Fanny Freelove H. The father, Robert
Marshall, died on June 26, 1875. at the age of sixty-seven years,
and the mother, Mary C. (Luther) Marshall, passed awav October
7. 1899, at the age of eighty-eight years.

To Mr. and Mrs. James B. AVilliams were born three children:
Alired and Robbie Lloyd, both now deceased ; and one, who died
in infancy. The death of Mr. Williams occurred August 25, 1903.
when he was sixty-seven years of age. He had been almost a life-
long resident of \Vebster county and the circle of his friends was

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 31

almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances. He was
held in the highest regard by reason of his reliability in business,
his loyalty and progressiveness in citizenship and his devotion to
family and friends. Mrs. Williams died at Fort Dodge, on August
15, 1912.

HON. WILLIAM LARRABEE.

Indelibly inscribed on the pages of Iowa's history is the name of
ex-Governor William Larrabee. He has ever been faultless in
honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation, and his
record is one which reflects credit and honor upon the state that
has honored him with its highest office. He was born in Led-
yard, Connecticut, January 20, 1832, and is a son of Adam Lar-
rabee, who was also born in Connecticut. His immediate ances-
tors were English, while those of a more remote period were
F"rench. Adam Larrabee was a student and graduate of the West
Point Military Academy and served with distinction in the War
of 1812, holding the rank of lieutenant. Wounds which he sus-
tained in that war hastened his death. He married Miss Lester
and they had a large family.

William Larrabee was educated in the public schools of Con-
necticut and at the age of nineteen years began teaching. He
came to Iowa in 1853, at the age of twenty-one, and for a year
engaged in teaching school in this state, being thus employed
near Clermont. He afterward worked on a farm in Clayton
county, being employed by Judge E. H. Williams as foreman of
his large farm lying partly in Clayton and partly in Fayette
counties. In 1857 he bought the flouring mills at Clermont, Iowa,
and for some years devoted his attention successfully to the manu-
facture of flour. Later he resumed farming and before many
years ranked as one of the leading agriculturists and landowners
of his section of the state. He afterward became interested in
banking in Clermont and in other cities and as the years went by
won a substantial measure of success. At the outl^reak of the
Civil war he made an efifort to enlist in the army but on account
of physical disability was rejected. It was a matter of great
grief to him that he could not become a soldier, although he
made several attempts to do so. He was intensely patriotic
and manifested his love of country in many ways.

32 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

On the I2th of September, 1861, Mr. Larrabee was united in
marriage to Miss Anna Matilda Appelman, also a native of Con-
necticut, her birth having occurred at Mystic on the 13th of
August, 1842. She is the eldest child of Gustavus Adolphus
and Prudence Anna Appelman, whose ancestors were prominent
in the afifairs of their native province in Germany. Gustavus
Appelman was widely known as a sea captain, following the sea
for many years. At length, however, he abandoned that life
and came to the west to engage in farming. He settled on a farm
near the village of Clermont, Fayette county, and while living
there his daughter Anna, who afterward became Mrs. Larra-
bee, attended the country schools until fourteen years of age.
She was then sent to Mystic, Connecticut, where she entered an
academy in which she spent two years. After returning to Cler-
mont she took up the work of teaching in the village school, which
had an enrollment of seventy pupils, but the young teacher was
equal to the task. Her home was about a mile from the village
and she followed the old Indian trails to and from the town, day
after day. She had to teach all grades and for her services re-
ceived a compensation of twenty-five dollars per month. With
the earnings of a few months she purchased her wedding out-
fit. For more than fifty years she and her distinguished husband
have been traveling life's pathway together, sharing each other's
joys and sorrows. She has been a great help to him and Mr. Lar-
rabee has ever given her credit in large measure for his suc-
cessful career. Together they encountered all the hardships of
pioneer days. At an early period their financial resources were
limited but they possessed hope, character and ambition. Mrs.
Larrabee, like her husband, has always kept well informed on
all pul)lic questions and can discuss intelligently the important
problems of the day. Moreover, she is thoroughly a home woman
and presides with gracious hospitality over Montauk, their
beautiful home.

The history of William Larral)ee constitutes an important
chapter in the history of Iowa. He has always taken a deep and
helpful interest in government afYairs. In 1867 he was elected to
represent his district in the state senate and remained a member
thereof for eighteen years. The record of scarcely any man
in public life in Iowa has extended over a longer period and no
one has been more commendable, honorable and useful. The re-
publican party named him as its candidate for governor in 1885

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 33

and the people of the state supported liini not only in that year
but again in 1887. His administration ranks among the strongest
that Iowa has had. His name was frequently mentioned for
United States senator and he could have had the office for the
asking but always declined the honor.

On the i^tli of September, 191 1, Mr. and Mrs. Larrabee cele-
brated their golden wedding anniversary. They are the parents
of three sons and four daughters, all of whom are living, with
the exception of Augusta, who was the wife of Victor B. DoUiver.
The others are: Julia, the wife of Don L. Love, of Lincoln, Ne-
braska; Anna; \\'illiani, of Clermont; Frederic, of Fort Dodge,
mentioned elsewhere in this volume ; Helen, the wife of C. B.
Robbins, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; and Charles, living at Fort
Dodge. The specific and distinctive office of biography is not
to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his ac-
complishments but rather to leave the perpetual record establish-
ing his character by the consensus of public opinion on the part
of his fellowmen. Throughout Iowa, William Larrabee is spoken
of in terms of admiration and respect. His life has been so
varied, so honorable in its purpose and so far-reaching and benefi-
cial in its efifects that it has become an integral part of the history
of the west and has left a deep impress upon the state of Iowa.
Since the aJDOve was written Governor Larrabee passed away,
November 16, 19 12.

PROFESSOR JOHN F. MONK.
Professor John F. Monk is one of the proprietors of Tobin
College of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and has spent many years in the
chair of language in that institution. He has gained prominence
as a linguist and as a cultured scholar. His active connection
with the college has lasted for many years and has been of aid
to bring about its systematic efficiency. Under his able adminis-
tration the institution has grown and has constantly broadened
its field of activity and increased the facilities it offers its students.
Professor Monk was born in Springford, Ontario, Canada, De-
cember 8, 1865, and is a son of Simon N. and Frances A. (In-
gram) Monk, both natives of Canada. The family is of German'
origin, and has been founded in America for many generations.
It was represented in the Revolutionary war by the great-grand-
father of our subject, who served under General Washington

34 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

as captain of artillery for seven years. In the next generation
the family residence was removed from the United States to
Canada and here Simon Monk, the father of our subject, was
born. He engaged in agriculture and cultivated many acres of
land until 1867, when he removed with his family to Iowa and
located in Cedar county. He was one of the earliest settlers of
this district and was entirely responsible for the high degree of
cultivation to which he brought his land before his death.

He, by his career as an agriculturist, was a developing force in
the progress of civilization. He made all the improvements upon
his holdings, and in conjunction with his brother built the struc-
tures which protected his grain and furnished shelter for his stock.
He furnished his house with goods brought through from Canada
by team, and continued to operate his farm until 1901, when he
retired from active life and removed to Tipton where he now
resides. He is in the seventy-first year of his age and has sur-
vived his wife for two years, her death having occurred in May,
1910.

John F. Monk was reared at home and received his early educa-
tion in the district schools of Cedar county. He subsequently
entered the high school of Tipton and was graduated with honors
after a four years' course. He made good use of his advantages
and utilized every opportunity of an educational kind. He early
showed the scholarly bent of his mind and was intensely inter-
ested in e\erything which made for a broader culture and more
representative learning. He entered \'alparaiso University at
Valparaiso, Indiana, and was graduated from the liberal arts
course of that institution in 1891. He immediately engaged in
teaching and accepted a position at Panola College at Carthage,
Texas, where he remained for a short period. His professional
career then brought him to Mason City, Iowa, where he taught
for one year before he came to Fort Dodge to accept the position
as professor of languages in Tobin College. At the time of Pro-
fessor Monk's original identification with this institution Mr.
Tobin was in active control of its policies and continued his con-
nection with it until his death in 1890. In that year Professor
Monk, in conjunction with Mr. Findlay. purchased the property
and they have controlled and directed the rapidly developing col-
lege since that time. Professor Monk is still active in the de-
partment of languages, but also gives his organizing mind and his
power of direction and control to the management of the busi-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 35

ness end of the enterprise. Under his able administration the
institution has grown from a small beginning to a comparatively
large educational enterprise. It enrolled four hundred students
in 1912, and each year brings a substantial increase in this num-
ber. It is one of the forces in the educational world of the middle
west, and the efficiency of its curi^eulum and the thorough equip-
ment which it gives to its students have made its name a synonym
for all that is important and useful in educational circles. Much
of this prominence and prosperity are tlue to the well directed and
concentrated efforts of Professor Monk who unites in his char-
acter the qualities of an upright and honorable business man
with those of a cultured and deeply read scholar.

In August, 1892, Professor Monk was united in marriage to
Miss Helen M. Anderson, a daughter of James N. and Margaret
(Dougallj Anderson, both natives of Pennsylvania and both
tracing their ancestral line to Scotland. At an early date the
father purchased a farm in Cedar county. Iowa, which he im-
proved and operated for many years prior to his retirement. He
removed to Blount Vernon in order to give his three daughters
the educational advantages offered by that city and made this
his home until his death which occurred in 1900. After his de-
mise his widow came to Fort Dodge, Iowa, and bought a com-
fortable and commodious home in this city, where she is now re-
siding in the seventy-third year of her age. Professor Monk and
his wife are the parents of four children : Florence G., a graduate
of the Fort Dodge high school, who is eighteen years of age ; Mel-
ville A., whose birth occurred in 1895; Dorothy H., wdio was born
in 1897: and John J., who is thirteen years of age.

Professor Monk's increasing distinction in the educational
field has brought him recognition in many different lines. He
has arduous duties as head of an im])ortant department in his
college and his increasing responsibilities in its business manage-
ment absorb almost his entire attention. He, however, finds time
to be of able and effective service as president of the Chautauqua
assembly and to his well directed management and his conspicu-
ous organizing ability this institution owes much of its present
success. He is also a director of the Fort Dodge Commercial
Club and president of the official board of the Methodist church.
to which he and his family give allegiance. Politically he be-
longs to the republican party and keeps himself w'ell abreast
of the times upon national and local issues. His educational

36 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

career, however, absorbs most of his energies and his best and
most efficient work is done in that field. The quality of his at-
tainment along this line manifests the realization of his responsibilities
toward his pupils and toward educational circles at large.
He labors incessantly to make his college broad and to develop
it along cultural lines. He has won succees in his ambitious
endeavors and his prosperity lies along the road of well directed
efifort.

CLEM A. BOHXEXKAMP.

Clem A. Bohnenkamp, proprietor and editor of The Buncombe
Tribune, is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in
Carroll county, on the 23d of February, 1877. His parents are
John H. and Caroline (Bruning) Bohnenkamp, natives, respec-
tively, of Germany and Wisconsin. The father emigrated to the
United States in his boyhood with his parents, who located in
Delaware county, Iowa. There he was reared to manhood and
educated, subsequently engaging in farming for a year. At the
expiration of that time he engaged in the live-stock business in
Breda, this state, with which he was identified for fifteen years.
He then disposed of his interests in this connection and opened
a meat market in the same place, which he is still conducting.
The mother is also living. Tiiey are the parents of ten living
children, eight sons and two daughters.

Reared at home, the education of Clem A. Bohnenkamp was
obtained in the public schools of Breda, Carroll county, which he
attended until graduated at the age of fourteen years. Upon
the termination of his student days he learned the printer's trade
and also qualified himself for a newspaper career. Diligent and
enterprising, he early manifested unusual business ability and at
the age of seventeen years bought out the Breda Watchman, a
weekly journal, which he successfully edited for fifteen years. At
the expiraion of that time he removed with his plant to Duncombe
and. in May, 1909, established and issued the first copy of_ The
Duncombe Tribune. It is a clean, wholesome, newsy sheet and
independent in politics. Although it has only been founded
three years, the Tribune has a large and constantly increasing
circulation, as it stands for progress and enthusiastically cham-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 37

pions every movement which will tend to promote the develop-
ment of the community or advance the interests of the town. Mr.
Bohnenkamp has a well equipped plant for a town of the size and
is prepared to do all kinds of job work, of which he makes a
specialty.

Mr. Bohnenkamp has been twice married, his first union hav-
ing been with Miss Christina Ricke, a daughter of Richard and
Mary Ricke, the event being celebrated on the 15th of February,
1898. Five children were born of this marriage, as follows:
Richard, who is twelve years of age; Drusiila, who is eight; Lil-
lian, who died in 1904, at the age of a year and a half ; one who
died at the age of six months in 1907; and one who died in infancy.
Mrs. Bohnenkamp is also deceased, having passed away in Feb-
ruary, 1909, after an illness of three months. On January 6,
1910, Mr. Bohnenkamp married Miss Josephine Meder, a daugh-
ter of J. H. and Mary Meder, natives of Texas.

Mr. and Mrs. Bohnenkamp are members of the Roman Cath-
olic church, and fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Colum-
bus and the Modern ^^'oodmen of America. He supports the
democratic party and while living in Breda served for several
years as city clerk. He takes an active interest in all local enter-
prises and is secretary of the Farmers Cooperative Elevator Com-
pany of Duncombe. Mr. Bohnenkamp is a most desirable citizen
and takes an active interest in the development of the town,
where he owns his residence and a thriving business.

TAMES CAMPBELL.

James Campliell, who is the successful owner and manager of a
brick and tile i)lanl at Lehigh, was born in ^Manhattan, Illinois, May
4, 1863. He was reared in Manhattan and in early youth worked on
a farm in that district, where he remained until he removed to Iowa,
locating in Lehigh. Here he became interested in the enterprise
which he now owns, a brick and tile factory, which was opened in
October, 1901, under the firm name uf Straight & Campbell, his
partner being W. .\. Straight. In January, 1904, Mr. Campbell i)ur-
chased the interest of Mr. Straight and Uiuk over the management
of the factory. He improved and enlarged the plant so that its out-
put was greatly increased. The factory has a steam dryer and turns

38 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

out a high grade of brick and tile and our subject employs about
thirty-five men. The brickyard occupies about nineteen acres of
land, which is under two roofs, and it is equipped with an electric
light plant. Mr. Campbell has other interests also, being president
of the Alberta Clay & Pottery Company of ]\Iedicine Hat, Canada.
In 1904, James Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Viola
Marsh, a native of this county, and a daughter of George W. Marsh,
who is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are the parents of one son,
George A., who was born December 17, 1908. In his political views
Mr. Campbell is democratic but he never has sought or cared for
public office. He is a successful business man and has worked his
way upward until he is today accounted one of the prosperous citizens
of Lehigh. He is practical and systematic and has gained that
measure of success which usually follows earnest, persistent and well
directed labor. He has a wide circle of acquaintances and stands high
in the regard of all who know him.

FLOYD BENJAMIN OLNEY, M. D.

Dr. Floyd Benjamin Olney, who occupies a foremost position
in professional ranks in Webster county, is a well known physi-
cian and surgeon of Fort Dodge, where he has practiced continu-
ously for more than three decades. His birth occurred in South
Toledo, Ohio, on the 20th of November, 185 1, his parents being
Dr. Stephen B. and Stella (Badger) Olney, the former a nati\e of
Saratoga, New York, and the latter of Painesville, Ohio. The
first representative of the family in this country was Thomas
Olney, who came from England in 1631. locating in Massachu-
setts and subsecjuently going with Roger Williams to Rhode
Island, where he afterward succeeded the latter in the ministry.
Benjamin Olney. the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a
native of Rhode Island and a farmer by occupation. The mater-
nal grandfather was born in Massachusetts.

Stephen Berry Olney, the father of Dr. F. B. Olney, was a
youth of twelve years when he removed with his parents to north-
western Ohio and was there reared to manhood on a farm. He
later studied medicine and surgery, jjracticing first in South To-
ledo, Ohio, and subsecjuently spending a short time at Adrian,
Michigan. In the spring of 1855 he came to Fort Dodge. Iowa,

J73.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 41

and here successfully practiced his profession until 1888. From
1862 until 1865 he did valuable service for the Union as surgeon
of the Thirty-second Iowa Volunteer Infantry. In 1890 he re-
moved to Hammonton, New Jersey, where he passed away on the
31st of March, 1891, when sixty-nine years of age. His widow
then returned to Fort Dodge but later took up her abode at
Clarkston, Washington, and in 1908 removed to Modesto, Cali-
fornia, where she died in 1909 at the age of eighty-seven years.
Dr. Stephen Olney was a Baptist in religious faith and his wife
was a Presbyterian. There being no churches of those denomina-
tions in Fort Dodge, they became affiliated with the Episcopali-
ans. After her husband's demise Mrs. Olney returned to the
Presbyterian church but she died in the Adventists' faith. Dr.
Olney was republican in his political views, served as one of the
early officers of the Fort Dodge school board and was also a
prominent Mason. To him and his wife were born five children,
as follows: Floyd Benjamin, of this review; Edith Adelaide, the
wife of Thaddeus Green, of Pomona. California; Charles Crary
Olney, who is a resident of ConconoUy, Washington ; Edward B.,
of Washington, D. C. ; and Mary Elizabeth, an osteopathic physi-
cian of Pomeroy, Washington.

Floyd B. Olney was four years of age when brought to Fort
Dodge by his parents and has here resided continuously since,
with the exception of about ten years. He attended the public
schools and was a member of the first graduating class from the
high school. After putting aside his text-books he learned the
printer's trade and as a representative of the "art preservative"
worked on a number of city papers, including the Chicago Trib-
une. Later he devoted his attention to the study of medicine
and in 1881 was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical CoUeg'e
of Chicago. Fort Dodge has been the scene of his professional
labors throughout the intervening period of thirty-one years, and
the extensive practice accorded him is unmistakable proof of his
skill and ability in the line of his chosen vocation. He is a mem-
ber of the Webster County Medical Society and the Iowa State
Medical Society, and thus keeps in close touch with the progress
of the profession.

• On the 5th of April, 1877, Dr. Olney was united in marriage
to Miss Hattie Elizabeth Greig, a native of Nunda, New York,
and a daughter of Alexander W. and Melinda (George) Greig,
who were born in New York and New Hampshire respectively.

42 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Olney was George Greig. Mr.
and Mrs. Alexander W. Greig were the parents of one son and
four daughters, namely: Hattie, Mattie, Carrie. Georgia and
Charles D. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Olney have been born four chil-
dren, as follows: Kate, who died in 1899 when twenty years of
age; Anne, who is a graduate of Michigan University at Ann
Arbor and is now a teacher of Latin and German in the Burling-
ton high school ; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Nathan Barr Jone?
and resides in St. Maries, Idaho; and Doris, who is the wife o
Benjamin Harrison Merritt and lives on a farm near Hereford,
Colorado.

Dr. Olney gives his political allegiance to the republican party
and served as pension surgeon for a number of years. Fraternally
he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Ashlar Lodge, No.
Ill, F. & A. M. ; Delta Chapter, No. 51, R. A. M. ; and Calvary
Commandery, No. 24, K. T. He is likewise connected with the
Red Men and the Woodmen of the World. Both Dr. Olney and
his wife are members of the Christian church, the former acting
as church trustee. In all the relations of life he has stood as a
man among men, accepting no false standards, holding to high
ideals and exemplifying his synipathy with the world's progress in
his own life.

ARTHUR C. LINDBERG.

On the roster of county officials in Webster county appears
the name of Arthur C. Lindberg, who is filling the position of
treasurer. On the whole the county has been signally favored
in the class of men who have occupied its public offices, for they
have been loyal to the interests entrusted to their care and have
sought the welfare of the many rather than of the few. A repre-
sentative of this class is Mr. Lindberg, who is one of Iowa's native
sons, his birth having occurred in Dayton, March 19, 1879. The
family comes of Swedish ancestry. John A. Lindberg, the
grandfather, was a native of Sweden and became an early settler
of Knox county, Illinois, whence he removed to Webster county
in 1854. He cast his lot with its early settlers and followed the
occupation of farming. Both he and his wife lived to a ripe old
age and they reared four children, including Mary, Lenore and

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 43

John A. Lindberg. The last named was born m Knox county,
Illinois, but was reared upon the homestead farm in Webster
county, early becoming familiar with all of the experiences and
incidents of frontier life. He supplemented his early education
by a course in the State University of Iowa and was graduated
from its law department. He practiced law for a time but turned
his attention to newspaper publication in the '70s, becoming owner
and publisher of the Dayton Review at Dayton, Iowa. He re-
mained at the head of that paper until 1894, when he sold out and
he has since given his attention to financial and real-estate Inter-
ests, having throughout the intervening period been president of
the Farmers State Bank of Dayton. He engaged in the real-
estate, loan and insurance business there and has a large clientage
that makes his business a profitable one. His judgment is sound
and his discrimination keen, while his enterprise is unfaltering.
He votes with the republican party and for thirty years has served
as justice of the peace. AVhat higher proof could be given of
faithful and efticient service in ofirce ? He has also served as
mayor of Dayton for a number of terms, giving to the city a
business-like and public-spirited administration which has brought
about various useful reforms and improvements. He married
Amelia A. Brundien, a native of Knox county, Illinois, where
her parents settled at an early date. Her family became early
residents of Webster county and her father followed farming near
Dayton. He was killed in a runaway accident when he and one
of his daughters were on their way to Fort Dodge. He was, at
that time, about fifty years of age. His wife lived to be more
than eighty years of age. In their family were but two children.
Peter and Amelia. Mr. and j\Irs. John A. Lindberg had two chil-
dren : Clarence J., a resident of Edna, Texas; and Arthur C.

Arthur C. Lindberg was reared in Dayton and attended the
public schools there. The experiences of his youth were such as
most boys have, and with the completion of his education he
turned his attention to the business world in search of a position
that would yield him a good living. In 1896 he entered the
Farmers State Bank of Dayton as bookkeeper and was later
assistant cashier. On the ist of January, 1907, he became deputy
county treasurer under Peter Hadley and he was elected county
treasurer in November, 1910, assuming the duties of the position
on the 1st of January following, so that he is now the incumbent
in that office. His previous experience as deputy well qualified

44 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

him for his duties in this connection and he is making: an ex-
cellent record for efificiency. For several years he was city clerk
at Dayton.

Arthur C. Lindberg holds membership with the Knights of
Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Improved
Order of Red Men and the Ancient Order of United Workmen
and he is secretary of the local Country Club. His political alle-
giance is given the republican party and he is popular and w-ell
liked wherever known. He has a wide acquaintance in this
county, where his entire life has been passed, and the record he
is making is a creditable one.

EDWARD E. HASTINGS, D. D.

Dr. Edward E. Hastings, who has been pastor of the First
Presbyterian church for the past five years, is one of the most highly
esteemed and influential citizens of Fort Dodge. He was born at
Carroll, Iowa, on the 25th of September, 187 1, and is a son of E. R.
and Kate M. (Manning) Hastings. The father was a native of
Ohio, whence he removed to Wisconsin, coming from there to
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the early '60s. He completed his education
at Western College, Western, Iowa, and was subsequently admitted
to the bar, but soon withdrew from the law and turned his attention
to newspaper work, following this during the remainder of his life.
During the early period of his journalistic career he purchased a
half interest in the "Carroll Herald," Carroll, Iowa, later becoming
the sole proprietor. He was a man of tine mental attainments and
a forceful writer, and readily became recognized as one uf tiie
foremost newspaper men in northwestern Iowa. He always took an
active interest in political affairs and became one of the republican
leaders in that section of the state, his paper heartily indorsing and
championing the principles of this party. \\'hile still in his prime.
Mr. Hastings was compelled to give up his work owing to failing
health, and sold the Herald to John B. Hungerford. the present
owner. He continued to make his home in Carroll, however, and
there he passed away in 1886. He was one of the most widely
known men in the county, as in addition to editing his paper he
ser\-ed as postmaster at Carroll for twelve years, discharging the
duties of this office in a highly efficient and capable manner. The

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 45

mother, who is a native of Indiana, is still living and now makes her
home with our subject.

Dr. Hastings was reared amid the refining influences of a good
home, and from early childhood had the advantages of an intellectual
and cultured environment. At the usual age he entered the public
schools of Carroll, continuing his studies there until graduated from
high school. In the autumn, following, he entered Coe College at
Cedar Rapids, being awarded the degree of Ph. B. from this institu-
tion with the class of 1893. Having decided to become a minister,
he subsequently matriculated in the McCormick Theological Semi-
nary at Chicago, having been licensed by the Cedar Rapids Pres-
bytery and received as a student for the ministry from the First
Presbyterian church of Cedar Rapids, of which Dr. E. R. Burk-
holder w^as then pastor. Dr. Hastings graduated from the semi-
nary in 1896 and w^as ordained by the Presbytery of Sioux Citv,
Iowa. He began his ministerial duties as pastor of the church
at Odebolt, Iowa, remaining there for four years. During the
period of his pastorate he greatly increased the menil)ership of
the church and erected and dedicated a beautiful new house of
worship. From there he went to Inwood, Lyon county, but he
resigned his cliarge eighteen months later in order to accept a
call to the First Presbyterian church of Grundy Center, Iowa,
which is in the \\'aterloo Presbytery. In 1907, Dr. Hastings
came to Fort Dodge, as pastor of the First church of this city.
The possessor of rare spiritual and mental qualities, a pleasing
personality and fine presence, he has proven to be a most in-
fluential factor in the community and is accomplishing excel-
lent results. His discourses are scholarly and highly creditable
achievements, manifesting careful preparation and deep thinking;
their power being greatly increased by his able delivery. He has one
of the largest congregations in the city, and the church and its
various organizations are thri\-ing. the work of the dift'erent depart-
ments being carried on in a most enthusiastic and capable manner
under his leadersliii>.

At Carroll, Iowa, on the 23rd of October. 1894, Dr. Hastings
was united in marriage to Miss May T. Bailey, a former school antl
college mate, and a daughter of Dr. T. S. and Helen (Gee) Bailey.
Dr. Bailey is a native of Ohio and was educated at the Ohio State
University at Columbus, being a member of the class of '69. He
subsequently entered the Presbyterian Ministry and held many
important charges in r)hi(> and Iowa, and for sixteen years was

46 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

synodical superintendent of home missions of the Presbyterian church
of Iowa. He made his home in Carroll for some years, but he has
now retired and he and his wife are residing in Cedar Rapids. Dr.
Bailey is an honored veteran of the Civil war, having remained at
the front from the opening of hostilities until honorably discharged
after the close of the siege of Vicksburg. where he lost an arm.
Dr. and Mrs. Hastings have three children, all of whom are stu-
dents of the public schools. In order of birth they are as fol-
lows: Eugene, who is fifteen years of age; Robert, who has
passed the thirteenth anniversary of his birth ; and Catherine,
who is looking forward to her tenth birthday.

Mrs. Hastings is a very active church worker and has been of
invaluable assistance to her husband in the discharge of his multi-
tudinous duties. She is a mem1>er of the Wahkonsa Club, and is
interested in promoting the intellectual development of the com-
munity. The political views of Dr. Hastings coincide with the
principles of the republican party, but he very often casts an inde-
pendent ballot at municipal elections, considering that it is more a
question of the man best adapted for the ofiice than of political
issues. He was chosen as a member of the board of trustees of
Coe College in 1902, and three years later his alma mater honored
him with the degree of doctor of divinity. He is now and has been
for some time secretary of the Synodical Board of Iowa 'Home
Missions of the Presbyterian church, and he has held other positions
of responsibility and trust in connection with the various organiza-
tions of the church. Dr. Hastings has acquired much more than a
local reputation and is numbered among the most scholarly and able
ministers in this section of the state.

JOHX D. DWYER.

The present mayor of Barnum is John D. Dwyer, a type of
public official who is a force in the growth and development of
the community. He is one of the sterling and substantial citizens
of Webster county and for many years was successful as general
agriculturist and stock-raiser, although he has now definitely
aliandoned this phase of occupation and has taken up his resi-
dence in Barnum, where he has a comfortable and attractive
lionic. yiv. Dwyer was born in Ireland. February 14, 184T. and is

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 47

a son of Joliu and Johannah {Dee) Dwyer, also natives of the
Emerald isle. The father was a farmer and came to this country
m 1851, settling- first in Clinton county, New York, where he
bought and improved a farm which he operated until the end
of his life. He died in June, 1863, and was survived by his wife
until 1906, when she died at the age of ninety-three years.

John Dwyer attended the public schools of his native country
untd he was ten years of age, completing his education in Ver-
mont. After laying aside his books he learned the trade of car-
pentering, working at that occupation for a number of years in
Xew York, Michigan, Iowa and Illinois. He eventually went to
Fort Dodge, Iowa, locating in that city in 1869. Here he worked
at his trade until 1871, when he went to Chicago, Illinois, on
account of work to be obtained there, as result of the great fire.
Here he followed carpentering for two years, going to New York
at the end of that time and spending one year in the latter city.
He then returned to Webster county, where he bought eighty
acres of land in Johnson township, to which he later added at
various times until he owned two hundred and eighty acres.
He was also the proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty
acres in South Dakota. For fourteen years he carried on general
agricultural pursuits upon a tract of land in Webster county and
met with a gratifying degree of success at that occupation and at
stock-raising, which he subsequently added to his activities. In
1891, however, he retired and moved to Barnum, where he pur-
chased thirty-seven acres of town property and upon it built a
beautiful and modern home, where he has resided since that
time. He is interested in the growth and development of the
village and is always eager to do his part in promoting it, and is
ranked among the progressive, substantial and enterprising cit-
izens of his district.

Mr. Dwyer was married in October, 1875, to Miss Mary O'Neal,
who was born in Troy, New York, and a daughter of Timothy
and Honora fRyan) O'Neal, natives of Ireland. The parents
came to this country at an early date and settled in Clinton
county. New York, where the father farmed until his death, which
occurred in 1871. His wife survived him by three years. They
had six children besides the wife of our subject, of whom all grew
to maturity and two sons are now living. .Mr. and Mrs. Dwyer
ha\e two daughters: Alice S., who attended St. Joseph's Acad-
emy at Des Moines, Iowa: and Mary L., attending Corpus Christi

48 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Academy of Fort Dodge. Mr. and Mrs. Dwyer are well known
and highly respected citizens of Barnum and are highly esteemed
for the kindly and charitable impulses which have been forces
in their lives.

Mr. Dwyer is prominent in local republican politics. He served
as assessor of Johnson township for four terms and also as trus-
tee and school director. He was elected mayor of Barnum in
1909 and is still serving, discharging his duties in a prompt and
capable manner, which has won him uniform commendation and
approval. All movements which tend to promote the public wel-
fare receive his sanction and support and he stands as one of
the progressive residents of the city.

A. J. EKFELT.

A. J. Ekfelt, who lives retired in Burnside, has served as justice
of the peace of Burnside township for eighteen years. He was born
in the central part of Sweden, April 18, 1835. He there received a
practical education and in 1868, with his family, came to America,
making his way direct to Iowa and locating in Des Aloines. In that
citv he worked by the day for ten years and then remo\ed to Day-
ton, Iowa, and engaged in fanning for about eleven years. Subse-
quently he came to Burnside township, locating west of Burnside,
on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of lanil, and residing there
until 1908, when he sold the farm and retired to the town of Burn-
side. where he now lives. His son resides on the old home farm.
Mr. Ekfelt was very successful in farming and is. therefore, enjoying
a comfortable competence.

In Sweden Mr. Ekfelt was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Carlson, a native of that country, and they have become the parents
of four children : .\ndrew, of Burnside, and Ellen, of Des Moines,
both of whom were born in Sweden: and Henry and Emil, both of
whom were born in Des Moines. In his political views Mr. Ekfelt
is a republican and he has served on several occasions as juryman
at Fort Dodge. Iowa. For the past eighteen years he has been
justice of the peace of Burnside tnwnshii). He has ever taken an
active and help^jil interest in educational advancement and for
sixteen years was a member of the school board of Burnside town-
ship. F'raternally he is identified with the Independent Order of

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 49

Odd Fellows at Kalo, Iowa. Mr. Ekfelt has resided in tliis coun-
try for more than forty-four years and throughout that time has
been an active, helpful and hislily honored citizen, who well
deserves mention in this volume.

BERT BL.VIXE BURNQUIST.

Bert Blaine Burnquist is well known as an able lawxer and his
name is also on the roster of county officials for in the fall of
1910 he was elected to the position of county attorney. Webster
county claims him as one of her native sons, his birth having
occurred in Dayton on the ist of May, 1884. His parents were
Samuel and Caroline (Peterson) Burncjuist, both of whom were
natives of Sweden. The former was a son of Andrew and Cath-
arine A. Burnquist, farming people of Sweden, who. on coming
to the new world settled in Dayton, Iowa, where both passed
away, the former reaching the age of four score years, while
the latter was eighty-seven years of age at the time of her demise.
They had two sons, John A. and Samuel. The latter was a lad
of twelve or thirteen years when the family sailed to the United
States, and after living for a time in Illinois became a resident of
Iowa. He spent a few years on a farm in the vicinity of Dayton
and then, turned his attention to general merchandising, which
he followed in Dayton to the time of his death. He passed away
m 1895 '^t the age of forty-five years, and his wife is still sur-
viving him, and makes her home in Fort Dodge. She holds
membership in the Lutheran church to which her husband also
belonged. At the time of his death Sanniel Burn(|uist was a
member (jf the Iowa legislature. His interest in public affairs
ever was that of a citizen who stood for progress and improve-
ment. In early manhood he wedded Caroline Peterson, a native
of Sweden, and they became the parents of two sons who reached
adult age, Samuel A. and Bert B. .\fter the death of her first
husband Mrs. Burnquist married Frank .^. Dowd, but she is again
a widow. She is a daughter of S. P. and Mary Peterson, natives
of Sweden. Her father engaged in farming nnlil lie retired from
business activities in his later years. He came with his family
to Iowa about 1866 and died in Dayton at the age of eighty-one.
while his \\'ifc passed awav at the age n( seventy years. They

50 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

had six cliiklren : Charles; John P.; Jonas; Caroline; Ida, who
married Henry Oleson ; and ]\Iary, who died in early life.

Bert B. Burnquist was reared in Dajton, Iowa, and in 1898
came to Fort Dodge, where he has since made his home. He at-
tended the public schools in both cities and was graduated from
the Fort Dodge high school with the class of 1901. Desirous
of entering upon a professional career he recognized the fact
that the first step in that direction w'as the acquirement of a still
broader education and accordingly he entered the University of
Iowa, completing a course in the collegiate department in 1905.
He was graduated from the law school in 1907 and in the same
}"ear was admitted to the bar, after which he opened an office in
Fort Dodge, where he has since practiced. He is a member of the
law- firm, Healy, Burnquist & Thomas. He prepares his cases
with thoroughness and care and has won favorable criticism for
the systematic methods which he uses. In the fall of 1910 he was
elected county attorney and he is still acting in that capacity. He
has business interests aside from his profession, being a director
of the Farmers State Bank of Dayton, the secretary of the Iowa
Grocer}- Company, wholesalers, and the owner of a farm of two
luuidrcd and fortv acres of rich and productive land in Boone
county. Iowa. His judgment in financial, commercial and agri-
cultural affairs is accurate and the analytical turn of his mind
enables him readily to understand the features of every situation,
business or otherwise.

Bert Blaine Burnquist belongs to Ashley Lodge, F. & A. M. :
Delta Chapter. R. A. M. ; Calvary Commandery. K. T, ; and Za-
Ga-Zig Tcniiilc of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also
connected with the .\ncieiU Order of I'nited ^\'clrkmen and with
the Red Men and his political allegiance has been gi\-en to the
republican party since age conferred upon him the right of
franchise.

ARM. WIS FREY PATTOX.

'I'lic n.iine of Patton is recognized and honored in e\ery com-
munity where representatives of the same settled and it is highly
esteemed because each succeeding generation has upheld the
traditions and standards which have made their lives upright

' HISTORY OF WEUSTER COUNTY 51

■and their characters worthy. At the present time Armanis Frey
Patton is living in Gowrie, where he is well known as a journalist
and business man. The family record begins with Robert Pat-
ton, the grandfather of our subject, who was born in Pennsylvania
in iSiS and who emigrated to Ohio with his parents when he was
still a boy. A short time afterward his father died and he was
obliged to earn his own living. He chose the blacksmith's trade
for his life work and followed it for a number of years. When
the Ci\il war broke out he enlisted at Belle Center, Ohio, in
Company D, Forty-Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served
until June 12, 1865, when he was mustered out at Camp Harker,
Tennessee. He was with Wolford's cavalry on the famous Mor-
gan raid and helped in the capture of Morgan. He was also
present at the siege of Kno.xville, Tennessee, and served during
the Atlanta campaign. He married for the first time Miss Martha
Hull, a daughter of Nathaniel and Nancy (Wyat) Hull, of Waldo,
Marion county, Ohio. To this union were born thirteen children:
E\-aline, Nathaniel Hull, William Henry Harrison, James Elias,
Emily, Elizabeth, Murry Buck, Ellen, Emaline, Charles, Emma,
Martha, and one who was born dead. Mrs. Patton died at
Bloom field, Ohio, June 8, 1856, when she was thirty-seven years
of age.

The fourth child born to Robert Patton and his wife, James
Elias Patton, was the father of the subject of this sketch. He
was born in W'aldo, Marion county, Ohio, April 28, 1841, and
moved with his parents when he was three years of age to Wood-
Ijury, Ohio, whence three or four years later they went to Bloom-
field, ^Morrow county, in the same state. When he was about
twelve years of age he began to learn the blacksmith's trade from
his father and continued to work at his chosen occu])ali()n until
after he moved to Centerville, Ohio. On April 18, tX()I, he en-
listed in Company G, Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at Columbus,
for ninety days. Through some misunderstanding with the colonel
of the regiment he was sent home on a thirty day furlougli to
await his discharge and during this period joined the regular
army, being the second man to enlist in the Eighteenth l"nited
States Regulars, being mustered in July 9, 1861. He served two
terms as a member of this regiment and received his final dis-
charge at Fort Saimders, Dakota territory, October 5, 1S67. He
was out of the service from July 9, 1864. to October 5th of the
same vear. He participated in many of the ])rincipal engagements

52 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

of the Civil war, among which may be mentioned those of Mill
Springs, Kentucky; the siege of Corinth; the battles of Houver
Gap (Tennessee), Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary^ Ridge;
and all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, which occurred be-
fore the army got within nine miles of the city. After the battle
of Pumpkin Vine Ridge. Georgia, which occurred May 29, 1864,
he was promoted to tiie rank of sergeant major and twice given
special mention in the official records for Ijravery. His first term
of enlistment expired in 1864, and on October 5th of the same
year he reenlisted in the same regiment, spending the first year
drilling recruits. During the following winter he was appointed
quartermaster sergeant for the Third Battalion and stayed at
regimental headquarters at Columbus. From here, on Octoi)er
19. 1865, he went to Fort Kearney, Nebraska, and was there ap-
pointed post sergeant piajor and in the same year was advanced
to the position of ordnance sergeant of the post. He was sta-
tioned successively at Fort Leavenworth. Kansas, and at Camp
Douglas, Utah, where he served as ordnance sergeant until April,
when the Third Battalion of the Eleventh United States Infantry
was made into the Thirty-Sixth United States Infantry, at the
reorganization of the army at the close of the war. He was
stationed with liis regiment at Fort Saunders. Dakota territory,
and there remained until Octoljer 5, 1867. when he received his
final discharge as quartermaster sergeant.

On returning to Bloomfield. Ohio, he rode over the first five
hundred miles of tlic I'nion I'acific Railroad. After iiis arrival in
the city he went to work at the blacksmitli's trade and ren^ained
in Bloomfield until March i, 1868. when lie went to Buford. in l!ie
same state, where he again worked at his chosen occupation.
From Buford he went to Council Bluffs and from there to ^lace-
donia, Iowa, wliere he started a blacksmith shop on May 18. iSj.^.
He still resides in this city and is one of the prominent and suc-
cessful men of his community. He and his family have lived in
Macedonia continuously since the time of his original settlement.
A short period was. Iiowever. spent traveling in the Black Hills and
in Yellowstone Park. He is now living retired. He married
December 16, 1868, Miss Mary Ellen Frey, and they became the
parents of seven children: Martha Ann May, who was born at
Buford, Ohio, October 18, 1869; Fredrick Elmer, bom in the
same city, September 6, 1872; Albert Edgar, born in Buford,
April 5, 1874; Armanis I'rcy. of this re\iew: twin l)Ovs. who

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 53

were born in Macedonia, Iowa, November 3, 1882, and who died
the same day; and Edna Emma, whose birth occurred in Mace-
donia, June 22, 1885.

Armanis Frey Patton \vas reared at home and the first lesson
which he learned from his parents was that of the value of hard
work. While he was not obliged to remain out of school and
work for his living he was taught that honest toil was the greatest
blessing of mankind. During the vacations he was given odd
jobs and was responsible to his parents for the capable perform-
ance of his duties. He learned how to sympathize with the boy
who has to ride the lead horse in the harvest field, or hoe weeds
in the cornfield, because many times he did this work for his
farmer friends at fifty cents a day. However, his education was
not neglected. He finished the grade departments in the district
schools and was one of the first class to graduate from the Mace-
donia high school, there being only two to finish the course
mapped out by the school board that year. His classmate, who
graduated with him, was Lillian B. Ashley, and the exercises took
place June 29, 1893, with the principal. Miss Olive A. Benn,
presiding.

Before his graduation Mr. Patton began to learn the printer's
trade in the home office, working nights, mornings and Satur-
days, and since that time has followed that business as his chosen
occupation. On November 26, 1894, he left Macedonia for Day-
ton, and began work on the Dayton Review, under J. G. Durell,
who at that time owned and published the paper. He retained
this position until February i, 1898, when he in partnership with
Emory A. Rolfe, principal of the Dayton public schools, purchased
the plant and began operating the newspaper. On October 12,
1899, they expanded their interests by purchasing the Gowrie
News and conducted both papers under the name of Patton &
Rolfe. Mr. Rolfe remained in Dayton to take charge of the
affairs of the Review and Mr. Patton moved to Gowrie to look
after the interests of the News. This partnership continued until
June I, 1900, when it was dissolved, Mr. Rolfe taking full control
of the Dayton paper and Mr. Patton retaining the Gowrie News.

On April 22, 1898, Mr. Patton was united in marriage to Miss
Anna Adella Vederstrom, who was born at Norrkoping, Sweden,
April 29, 1879. She is a daughter of Oscar and Christine Veder-
strom, and she came to this country with her widowed mother
when she was only three years of age. She has one brother. Axel

54 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

W., who is engaged in the heating and pkimbing business at Mar-
athon, Iowa. Mrs. Patton received a good common-school educa-
tion and was graduated from the Dayton public school, June 29,
1896. z'Vfterward she taught in the Webster county schools until
her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Patton have four children : Lorimer
Lee, who was born May 9, 1900, attending district school ; Rudolph
Frey, who was born May 26, 1902, and who is attending the same
school; Murray James William, who was born October 23, 1904,
and who died August 6, 1905; and Harris Elric, born March 24,
1909. The family belong J.o the Methodist Episcopal church, of
Gowrie.

Mr. Patton is well known in fraternal circles of the city, holding
membership in Rose Lodge, No. 506, F. & A. M., and in the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also well known in the
afifairs of the Modern Woodmen of America and belongs to
Myrtle Lodge, No. 330, Knights of Pythias. Inheriting the
honorable and worthy qualities of a long line of sturdy, determined
and forceful men, he has worked out an honorable destiny and
accomplished a worthy success. Influenced by their traditions
and principles he has ever adhered to the standards of unflinching
integrity and stanch loyalty, liy which they molded their upright
lives and his career has added luster to an honorerl name.

MICH.\EL D. GURXETT.

Michael D. Gurnett is a native son of Iowa and his lather was a
pioneer in its development. Our subject has been a resilient of Web-
ster county since 1896, where for a time he was successful as an
active agriculturist, being still an extensive owner of farm lands.
He is now operating a large grain elevator in Barnum and has made
his energy, detemiination and enterprise the basis of a distinct and
substantial success. He was born in Linn county, Iowa, March 22,
1873, and is a son of Andrew and Ellen (Martin) Gurnett, natives
of Ireland. His father came to America in 1850 and located in La
Salle, Illinois, where he worked as a railroad brakeman for three
years. At the end of that time he moved to Linn county, Iowa, where
he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, paying six dollars
per acre. He operated and improved this farm for three years and
sold it at the end of that time for twelve dollars per acre. He later

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 55

purchased two hundred and forty acres at six dollars, adding to his
holdings from time to time until he owned a large tract of highly
cultivated land, comprising five hundred and twenty acres. He con-
tinued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits upon this property until
1909, when he retired from active life and moved to the vicinity of
Fairfax, where he is making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Frank
Cahill. His wife passed away in 1904.

^Michael D. Gurnett was reared at home and was educated in the
public schools of Fairfax, Linn county, graduating with the class
of 1893. For three years afterward he aided his father in the
work of the farm, coming eventually to Webster county, where he
rented land three miles north of Barnum in Johnson township,
which he operated and developed for three years. In 1899 he
abandoned agricultural pursuits and moved into Barnum, where
he purchased a grain elevator which he has operated ever since.
He now has one of the most prosperous commercial undertakings
in the village. He has won his success by close attention to busi-
ness, earnest labor and practical application of his business knowl-
edg-e. He has made about fifty thousand dollars in the past six-
teen years and has invested his money judiciously, being num-
bered among the substantia! and representative citizens of the
district. He owns four hundred and forty-four acres of highlv
improved land in Johnson and Jackson townships, one hundred
and sixty acres in South Dakota and a fine home in Barnum, in
which he resides, beside business property in this village.

On October 22, 1902, Mr. Gurnett was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Condon, a daughter of David and Ellen (Reid) Condon,
natives of Ireland. Mrs. Gurnett's parents reside at No. 1321 Second
a\enue. South, Fort Dodge, Iowa.

In his political affiliations Mr. Gurnett is a consistent republican
and has served as town treasurer of Barnum with ability. He is a
stockholder in the Corn Belt Package Company of Fort Dodge and
in the Barnum Telephone Company. He belongs to the Roman
Catholic church and holds membership in the Knights of Columlnis
and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is firm in his faith in
the future of the middle western states and believes that the greatest
opportunity offered to the young man of today is to acquire land in
this section, predicting that property in ^^'ebster county will sell
within the next ten years at three hundred dollars per acre. Mr.
Gurnett has a thorough knowledge of real-estate values and engages
to some extent along this line, buying and selling farm lands. He

56. HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

has a record of sixteen years continuous identification with b' ness
in Barnum and is numbered among the progressive, enterprismj, and
modern men of his section. He has all the qualifications of energy,
buoyancy and public spirit and his personal achievements are an
addition to the resources of the community in which he resides, not
only as owner of an important undertaking but also in the qualities
and standards of citizenship he possesses. His labors have been con-
stantly constructive and ha\e had practical results.

WILLIAM L. NICHOLSON, M D.

The late Dr. \\ illiam L. Nicholson was not only one of the
pioneers of Fort Dodge, but had the additional distinction of
being the second physician to locate in the city. He was born
in County Tipperary, Ireland, on September 25, 1832, and was a
son of Robert and Mary (Blundon) Nicholson, the father a
nati\e of England, but the mother of French extraction. In the
paternal line Dr. Nicholson was a descendant of the Danish
knigiit, Ralph Nikelsen, whose valiant service at Hastings caused
William, Duke of Normandy, and subsequently king of England,
to bestow upon him a large land grant in England, a coat of arms
and a crest. This was a lion rampant surmounting a shield bear-
ing three suns, two bars ermine and three bars azure with the
motto "Fide et Honore." His descendant, Robert Nikelsen
accompanied Henry III. to Ireland on his first invasion of that
country, but the Nikelsen family did not permanently settle in
Ireland until 1645. I" the latter year Robert Nickolson, a captain
of horse in the army of Oliver Cromwell, was given a large land
grant in Counties Tipperary and Waterford by Cromwell, and
the family thereafter resided on the Emerald isle.

The eldest son of his parents, Dr. Nicholson was reared on the
family estate in Ireland. He inherited pronounced scholarly in-
stincts, which were further developed by early environment and
associations. His education was begun in the schools of \\'ater-
ford and at the age of seven he had a very good knowledge of
Latin. He attended various private schools, among them a col-
lege located on his father's estate, until old enough to enter
Trinity College at Dublin, from which institution he was grad-
uated with honors. Later he entered the University of Glasgow

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 59

and pursued a professional course, being graduated with the
degree of M. B. in 1852. At the age of twenty-one years he left
his native land and came to America, locating in Canada. Two
years later, in 1855, he crossed the border into the United States,
settling in Fort Dodge, Iowa. As this country was very sparsely
settled at that time, there was little demand for the services
of a physician, so he turned his attention to teaching and for a
time conducted a private school here. As the country became
better settled he withdrew from teaching and engaged in the
practice of his profession. On the i6th of August, 1862, he en-
listed as a private in Company E, Thirty-second Iowa Volun-
teer Infantry at Fort Dodge under Captain J. Hutchisson and
Colonel Scott. At Davenport on the 6th of Octoljer, he was
promoted to the office of second lieutenant and in December of
the same year he was appointed to the medical corps as assistant
surgeon of the Twenty-ninth regiment of the Iowa Volunteer
Infantry under Colonel Benton. He was subsequently made
chief surgeon with the rank of major. He took part in the White
River expedition in January, 1863, and that of the Yazoo Pass in
the following February. He likewise participated in the battle
at Helena, Arkansas, on July 4: Bayou Meto, August 27; and
Little Rock, September 10. He was also at Terre Noire on the
2d of April, 1864; Elkins Ford, April 4; Prairie d'Anne, April
10 and 12; Camden, April 16; and Jenkins Ferry, April 30. At
the latter point. Dr. Nicholson was taken prisoner, but his re-
lease was soon effected through an exchange of prisoners. Soon
thereafter he obtained a thirty days furlough, which he passed
at Fort Dodge, rejoining his regiment on the 31st of December,
1864. He was stationed at Mobile, Alabama, from March 17
to April 9. 1865, and took part in the assault on Spanish Fort,
Alabama, April 8. He was present at Fort Blakely on the 9th
of April and at Mobile on the r2th of that month, while he was
in the Texas campaign until July. 1865. On the loth of August
he was mustered out at New Orleans, receiving his honorable dis-
charge on the 19th of the September, following. Upon his return
to Fort Dodge, he resumed his practice, continuing to be actively
identified with his profession until his death. He was a very
progressive man and kept in close touch with the development of
his profession, and in 1882 he pursued a post-graduate course in
Des Moines. The year following together with R. W. Crawford
he opened a drug store here, but the heavy exactions of his prac-

60 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

lice made it impossible for him to engage in any business activi-
ties, so he soon withdrew from this. For four years prior to his
death, Dr. Nicholson was in very poor health, suffering very
much at times from hay fever. He was a man of remarkable
versatility, and his well stored mind, ready wit and brilliant con-
versational powers made him a delightful companion. He was
very fond of nature and although the exactions of his profession
gave him very little outside time he contributed many able and
scholarly articles to the "American F^ield." A lover of music
and poetry and in fact all of the arts, he had an extensive acquaint-
ance with the literature of practically all nations and was a poet
himself of considerable ability.

Dr. Nicholson was twice married, his first union was with Miss
Anna J. Leonard of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on the 31st of Decem-
ber, 1865, and they became the parents of one son, \V. L. Nichol-
son, who is engaged in the lumber business in El Paso, Texas.
She passed away on the 15th of January, 1875, and on the 27th of
November, 1876, the Doctor was married to Miss Sarah L. Sher-
man, a native of County Roscommon, Ireland. Mrs. Nicholson
is a daughter of James and Mary Ann (Comyns) Sherman, both
natives of Ireland, but the mother was of Scotch extraction, w liiJe
the paternal ancestors were Irish. Botli Mr. .md Mrs. .Sherman
died in their native land, and while still in her early childhood
!Mrs. Nicholson was brought to the United States, and later
became a resident of Fort Dodge, where she was married. One
daughter, Anna, was born to Dr. and Mrs. Nicholson. She early
manifested marked musical ability and was given the advantage
of studying under the best teachers in this country, after which she
went abroad and was graduated from the Conservatory of Leip-
sic. She studied under several eminent masters elsewhere and
upon her return to Fort Dodge opened a studio and has ever since
been engaged in teaching. Mrs. Nicholson and her daughter
hve at 827 Second avenue. South, which has been the family resi-
dence for many years.

Dr. Nicholson was a communicant of the Roman Catholic
church, as likewise are his widow and daugliter. and he was an
honored member of Fort Donelson Post, No. 236, G. A. R. of
Fort Dodge. In politics he was a democrat, and served for one
term as city clerk. Immediately after the close of the war he
was pension examiner, being one of the first appointed to this
ofificc, and he held the same position during President Cleveland's

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 61

administration. He was a member of the Catholic Mutual Ben-
efit Association and for many years was examining physician
of this organization, while up to the time of his death he was
surgeon for all of the railroads running into Fort Dodge. He
maintained relations with the other members of his profession
through the medium of his connection with the county, district
and state medical societies, and for some years was president of
the District Medical Society. He enjoyed the regard and esteem
of a large circle of friends, many of whom he had known from
the time he came to Iowa, and has left behind him the memory of
a bright, genial, kindly, helpful nature, whose ready sympathy
and encouraging word won him the confidence and good-will of
both young and old. He passed away on the nth of November,
1890.

JOHN TODD.

John Todd, who has lived in honorable retirement at Otho for the
past eight years, was for many years engaged in farming and min-
ing in this county, winning success in both activities. His birth oc-
curred in \\'isconsin on the ist of January, 1844, his parents being
William and Mary (Warton) Todd, both of whom were natives of
England. The father worked as a miner in that country until 1843,
when he emigrated to the United States, locating in Illinois. After
a short time, however, he removed to Wisconsin, working in the lead
mines of that state until 1849. In that year he drove across the coun-
try to California and spent a year at work in the gold mines. On
the journey back to Wisconsin he became ill, dving in New York in
1850. The demise of his wife occurred in iNS().

John Todd was reared and educated in his native state and after
putting aside his text-books began working in the lead mines. In 1862
when a youth of eighteen, he left his widowed mother in order to
join the boys in blue, becommg a member of Company F, Twen-
tieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, with which command he re-
mained until the close of hostilities between the north and the south.
When the country no longer needed his military aid he returned to
\\'isconsin and there worked in the mines until 1869. In that vear
he came to Webster county, Iowa, locating in Otho townshi[), where
he was employed at digging coal. At the end of the year, however.

62 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

he returned to Wisconsin, continuing to reside in that state for
seven years. On the expiration of that period he again came to
this county and once more began mining here. Subsequently he
purchased thirty-two acres of land and began mining coal on his own
account, later also carrying on fanning. He operated his thirty-
two acre tract and likewise cultivated rented land. The pursuits of
mining and farming claimed his attention until 1904, when he took up
his al)ode in Otho. where he owns a handsome residence and two
lots and where he has since lived in honorable retirement. He still
owns his farm of thirty-two acres, situated three-fourths of a mile
from Otho. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Com-
pany of Otho and lias long been numbered among the substantial
and esteemed citizens of the community.

On the loth of March, 1866, Mr. Todd was united in marriage
to Miss Lucy Shipley, a daughter of Thomas and Maria (Watson)
Shipley, both of whom were natives of England. Thomas Shipley.
w ho followed mining in that country, emigrated to the United States
in 1856, locating in Wisconsin, wliere he worked in the mines until
seventy years of age. His demise occurred in that state in March,
1896, while his wife was called to her final rest in Septemljer, 1907.
To ^Ir. and Mrs. Todd were born nine children, as follows : Eva :
Cora ; Agnes ; Emma ; Gertrude ; Laura ; Thomas ; Floyd : and
W^illiam, who passed away in 1869.

John Todd is a stanch republican, while his religious faitii is that
of the Methodist church. His life, lived in accordance with high
principles and spent in useful endea\or. has been of valuable ser-
vice to the community and makes him deserving of the res[)ect he
enjoys.

S. K. E. AXDERSOX.

S. R. E. Anderson, who is one of the successful business men
of Gowrie, is a native of this city, born May 13, 1877. His par-
ents were A. E. and Sophie (Anderson) Anderson, natives of
Sweden. The father came to America in 1866, locating at Gales-
burg, Illinois, and later removed to Chicago. He afterward came
to Gowrie, settling on a farm in Clay township of this county, where
he resided until he died. His wife, Sophie (.\nderson) Ander-
son is still living. In tiieir familv were nine children: Ellen, the

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 63

wife of G. B. Steinlean of Gowrie; S. R. E., of this review; E.
B. of Fort Dodge; Ella, the wife of Albert Swan of Marshalltown ;
Teckla, who is now Mrs. France Johnson of Gowrie; Constant, who
is engaged in farming; Hilma, a student of Drake University, at
Des Moines ; and Antonia and Edith, both of w honi are at home.

S. R. E. Anderson was educated in the public schools, graduating
from high school when he was nineteen years of age. He afterward
completed a normal-school course. Subsequently he started in the
restaurant business in Gowrie in which he remained for four years.
Later he became connected with the Andrew Wood firm, dealers in
general produce, remaining with them until 1907. He then took
charge of the prQduce-commission business for Swift & Company of
Chicago, with whom he has since been actively connected. He buys
poultry, eggs, butter and cream and has a large and remunerative
trade. Mr. Anderson has been very successful in his financial affairs
and owns a fine residence here.

In February, 1899, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Martha E.
Nelson, who was born in Dubuque, Iowa, a daughter of August Nel-
son, a resident of Gowrie. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson ha\e been
born four children, Gulhar, ]\Iedford, Raymond, and Ardella, all of
whom are at home. In his political views S. R. E. Anderson is repub-
lican and he has ever taken an active interest in the welfare of the
community. He and all the members of his family belong to the
Lutheran church. Fraternally he is identified with the Yeomen and
the Modern Woodmen of America, at Gowrie. Having always resided
in this town Mr. Anderson is well known here and his upright life
and honest business methods have won for him the high regard of all
with whom he has associated.

THOMAS ASHTON.

Thomas Ashton is a member of the firm of Ashton Brothers, con-
ducting a grocery establishment at the corner of Twelfth street and
Central avenue in Fort Dodge. The l)rotliers, Thomas and James
B. Ashton, have been successfully engaged in business together for
the past twenty-eight years. Thomas .\shton was born in Lincoln-
shire, England, on the 13th of October, 1846, his parents being
Robert and Elizabeth (Beers) Ashton, who were likewise natives of
that county. His paternal grandparents, who died in England, had

64 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

one son and four daughters. Mr. and Mrs. James Beers, the maternal
grandparents of our subject, were natives of Ireland and the latter
died in England. Mr. Beers subsequently emigrated to the United
States, passing away in New York city at an advanced age. He had
two children, Elizabeth and Thomas.

Robert Ashton, the father of Thomas Ashton, was a bricklayer by
trade and, coming to the new world, located at Plymouth, Michigan.
Subsequently he took up his abode in Ann Arbor, that state, where
his demise occurred in 1857, when he had attained the age of about
forty-nine years. His wife, who survived him, passed away at the
age of about sixty-eight. Both were Catholics in religious faith.
Their children were eight in number, namely : Maria, who is the
wife of Henry Hayler, of San Diego, California; Robert, deceased;
Thomas, of this review; Hannah, the deceased wife of Patrick Shee-
han, of Ann Arbor, ]\Iichigan; Theresa, who is the wife of Calvin
Tryon, of Davidson Station, Michigan; Agnes, who gave her hand
in marriage to Frederick Martin, of Saginaw, Michigan; James B.,
who is engaged in the grocery business in partnership with his brother
Thomas; and John Henry, who lives near Saginaw, Michigan.

Thomas Ashton, whose name introduces this review, was a lad of
five years when he accompanied his parents to the United States in
1851. He grew to manhood in Plymouth and Ann Arbor, Michigan,
and vicinity, attending the public schools in the acquirement of an
education. \Mien a youth of eighteen he ran away from home to
enlist for service in the Civil war, becoming a private of Company I,
Fifth Michigan Cavalrj'. He was present at the e\acuation of
Petersburg and witnessed the surrender of Lee at .\])p(jmatto.x. Wlien
hostilities had ceased he returned to Michigan and there fuilnwed
farming for about four years. In iHjo he came to h'ort Dorlge, Iowa,
and secured employment as a farm hand in Humboldt county, while
subsequently he worked on a farm in I'alo .\lto county. In June.
1872, he returned to Fort Dodge and entered the grocery establish-
ment of D. K. Lincoln. In that line of activitj^ he has remained to
the present time. For the past twent\'-eiglit years lie lias been en-
gaged in business in association w itii his brother, James B., ami the
firm has not only enjoyed an extensive and profitable trade but also
an unassailable reputation for integrity and straightforward dealing.
The Ashton Brothers carry a large line of staple and fancy groceries
and are at all times in a position to meet the demantis and wishes of
theii' customers.

HIST(3RY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 65

On the 26th of September, 1876, Mr. Ashton was united in mar-
riage to Miss Lorena L. Martin, a native of Mineral Point, Wis-
consin, where the wedding ceremony took place. Her parents, Henry
and Mary Ann (Lanyon) Martin, who were born in England, be-
came early settlers of Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Henry Martin,
who was a coal, lead and gold miner, passed away when about
seventy-eight years of age. His wife was seventy-two years of age
when called to her final rest. Their children were as follows:
Lorena, ]\lrs. Mary Ellen Jones and James H. Martin. To Mr. and
Mrs. Ashton have been born six children, as follows : Robert Henry,
Blanche Agnes, Frederick Walter and three, who died in infancy.

Mr. Ashton is a stanch republican, supporting the men and meas-
ures of that party at the polls. He belongs to Fort Donelson Post,
No. 236, G. A. R., and was chosen commander of the same for the
year 1912. He is widely and favorably known in Fort Dodge and
Webster county and the circle of his friends is almost coextensive
with the circle of his acquaintances.

JAMES B. ASHTON.

James B. Ashton, a member of the grocery firm of Ashton Brothers
in Fort Dodge, was born at Ann Arbor, Michigan, on the i6th of
December, 1855, and was reared in that city and vicinity. He ob-
tained his education in the public schools of Ann Arbor and when
in his thirteenth year began working on a farm by the month, being
thus employed for a number of years. On the 7th of August, 1879,
he came to Iowa, located in Fort Dodge and here clerked in a grocery
store until the spring of 1882. At that time he went to Monarch,
Colorado, where he clerked for one year and then embarked in busi-
ness on his own account. In August, 1884, he returned to Fort
Dodge and on the ist of September, following, engaged in the gro-
cery business in association with his brother Thomasi , As above
stated, the brothers have remained in business here continuously since
and have won a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity.

On the 9th of December, 1885, Mr. Ashton was united in marriage
to Miss Leila O. Jones, a daughter of A. W. and Cordelia
(Walker) Jones. To them have been born two children: Clay
B., who died at the age of two years; and James W., whose I)irth
occurred in 1892. The mother is a devoted member of the Meth-

66 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

odist Episcopal church. Mr. Ashton gives his political allegiance
to the republican party and has served as city councilman for three
terms. His worth is widely acknowledged by those who know
him and he has the favorable regard of a large circle of friends.

JUDGE ROBERT MULLINS WRIGHT.

Judge Robert ^Mullins Wright, who since 1906 has occupied the
bench of the eleventh judicial district, entered upon his professional
career well equipped by thorough and comprehensive collegiate train-
ing and in the interiiYi ^^ince his admission to the bar has made con-
tinuous progress until Iowa today numbers him among her dis-
tinguished lawyers and jurists. He was born at Sheffield, England,
November i, 1844, and in both the paternal and maternal lines comes
of English ancestry. His grandfather, Stephen \\'right, born on the
"Alerrie Isle," was manager of an estate and to him and his wife,
Matilda Wright, were born three children, Thomas, Stephen and .Amy.
The first named, born in England, was reared in Yorkshire and always
followed farming. The agricultural opportunities of the new world,
however, attracted him to America and in 1850 he crossed the Atlantic,
taking up his abode near Lisbon, Kendall county, Illinois, where he
remained for two or three years. He afterward remo\ed to De Kalb
county, where he passed away in 1882, at the age of eighty years.
His wife sur\i\ed him until 18X7 and was se\enty-nine years of age
at the time of her demise. She, too, was born in England, as were
her parents, George and Sarah (Gilot) Mullins. Her father was a
farmer by occupation, thus providing for the support of his family,
which numbered six children, including Robert, George, and Mary.
The daughter Mary became the wife of Thomas Wright and for
many years they traveled life's journey happily together. He was
originally an Episcopalian in religious belief and she a member of
the Congregational church, but after settling in Illinois in early days,
they identified themselves with the Methodist denomination, which
was the pioneer church of that state, continuing their connection with
that faith until their death. In community afifairs Mr. Wright was
somewhat prominent, holding a number of township offices, and at
all times his record measured up to high standards of manhood and
citizenship. His family numbered five children, of whom the eldest,
George, is deceased. Ann was the wife of \\'illiam Cutts. She died

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 67

at Shabbona, De Kalb county, Illinois, in September, 1912. Wil-
liam was a soldier of the Civil war and was killed at the battle of
Resaca. Robert M. was the next of the family. Juliana is the wife
of James Spaulding, an old soldier, living near Ruthven, Iowa.

Judge Wright was but five years of age when brought to the
United States and remained upon the home farm in De Kalb county,
Illinois, until he entered college. He supplemented his preliminary
education by a course in the University of Michigan, from which he
was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1871, while
the honorary degree of blaster of Arts was conferred upon him in
1874. In early manhood he devoted five years of his life to teaching
school and during the last four years of that period was principal of
the high school in Fort W^ayne, Indiana. I-3 July. 1876, he arrived
in Fort Dodge and entered upon the practice of law here in that
year, having prepared for the bar by private study at a former period.
He has ever remained a close and discriminating student of the pro-
fession, reading broadly and mastering the principles of jurisprudence
in large measure. He continued in active practice until 1906, when
he was elected judge of the district court and is still upon the bench.
His decisions are models of judicial soundness and are based upon
a thorough understanding of the points presented, a comprehensive
knowledge of the law and an appreciation of the equity of the case.
He has not only been acti\e in administering the law but also has
taken part in framing acts which ha\e found their way to the statute
books of the state, for in 1882 he was a member of the state legisla-
ture, during which period he voted for the submission of the pro-
hibitory amendment to the state constitution, concerning intoxicating
liquors and also at that time voted in fax'or of woman suffrage. In
1904 he was once more chosen to represent his district in the state
legislature and again in 1906. He has served on some of the most
important committees in the legislature, of several of which he was
chainnan, including the committee on constitutional amendments.
He has been a stalwart republican since the organization of the party.
His father was greatly opposed to slavery and Judge W^right held to
the same views. Indeed, throughout his entire life he has been the
opponent of any unjust domination and he stands for much that is
progressive, holding to the ideal of party service for the many rather
than for the few.

On the 27th of August, 1872, Judge Wright was married to Miss
Elizabeth Fowler, a daughter of James and Mary Fowler. Mrs.
W^right was born in Aurora, Illinois, while her parents were natix'es

68 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish descent. They also held to the Prot-
estant faith. After living for a time in Canada they came to the
United States, settling in Aurora, Illinois, but spending their last
days in De Kalb county, Illinois, where Mr. Fowler passed away at
the age of eighty-two years and his wife when seventy years of age.
They were the parents of six children : John, who died in the Civil
war; Robert, whose death occurred in Illinois about three years ago;
James, a Civil war soldier, who died at Denver, Colorado, in 1910;
Mary Ann, unmarried; Mrs. Sarah Jane Howlitt, of Paw Paw, Illi-
nois, a widow and fonnerly the wife of a Union veteran, who died
several years ago; and Mrs. Wright. The last named died in 1889,
at the age of forty-two years. She was a consistent Christian woman
and held membership in the Methodist church. She became the mother
of four children : Florence Eliza, who died when fourteen years of age ;
Herbert Francis, who died when four years of age; Roberta, the wife
of Walter Merryman, manager of the Messinger Printing Office;
and Elizabeth Gilot, at home. On the 27th of August, 1890, Judge
Wright married Miss Hattie Maria Leonard, who was born December
9, 1858, a daughter of Df. P. M. Leonard, of Fort Wayne. Indiana.
There is one son of the second marriage, Robert Leonard Wright,
now a student in the University of Iowa. Mrs. Wright is a member
of the Presbyterian church. Both Judge and ^Irs. \Vright have a
wide acquaintance in Fort Dodge and this part of the state, where
he has lived continuously for thirty-six years. He has ever held
closely to a high standard of professional ethics and has been an able
and conscientious minister in the temple of justice. His ideals of
citizenship are high and in the relations of life which are of a more
strictly social character he has displayed qualities which have ren-
dered him popular wherever he is known.

ASAEL W. JONES.

Asael W. Jones, who is living retired at No. 1303 Fifth avenue.
South, in Fort Dodge, has resided in this city for more than four
decades and here conducted a blacksmith shop for fifteen years. Since
disposing of his shop he has been engaged in the sale of agricultural
implements. His birth occurred in Crawford county, Pennsylvania,
in Randolph township, near Meadville, on the 4th of June, 1838. his
parents being Joel and Sarah (Smith) Jones, the fonner a native of

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 69

Sacket Harbor, New York, and the latter of Ware, Massachusetts.
His paternal grandfather, Joel Jones, who participated in the Revo-
lutionary war, was a native of Vermont and an agriculturist by occu-
pation. Both he and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah
Sprague, lived to a ripe old age. Their children were six in number.
The maternal grandparents of our subject were John and Sarah
Smith, the former a native of Massachusetts and a farmer by occu-
pation.

Joel Jones, the father of Asael W. Jones, was born in 1794 and
reared in the state of his nativity. When a youth of eighteen he en-
listed at Sacket Harbor for service in the War of 1812. He was
married in Pennsylvania and in 1846 removed westward to Ilhnois,
locating in La Salle county, twelve miles north of Ottawa, on the old
Shabbona Indian trail. There he devoted his attention to farming
and spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the age of sev-
enty-eight years. His wife died three years later, when seventy-nine
years old. Both were Methodists in religious faith. Mr. Jones held
various township offices and was well educated, following the pro-
fession of school teaching in early manhood. All of his children
received a good college education. To Joel and Sarah (Smith) Jones
were born the following children : V. B., who served as a Union
soldier during the Civil war; Heppa Julietta; Sarasa Marilla; Sarah
Ermina: Luther Alvera; Joel Adna, who also participated in the Civil
war; and Asael Wadworth. of this review.

Asael Wadworth Jones was reared to manhood in Illinois and
obtained his early education in the public schools of La Salle county.
He then removed to Wheaton and spent four years as a student in
Wheaton College. Subsequently he learned the blacksmith's trade,
which he followed for many years. In 1870 he came to Iowa and
throughout the intervening forty-two years has made his home in
I-'ort Dodge. He successfully conducted a blacksmith shop here for
fifteen years and then sold out, since which time he has been a sales-
man in the service of a firm dealing in agricultural implements.

On the 17th of March, i860, Asael W. Jones was united in mar-
riage to Miss Cordelia A. Walker, a native of Ohio, the ceremony
taking place on the eighteenth birthday of the bride. Her parents,
C. ^\'. and Keziah Walker, were also natives of the Buckeye state and
became early settlers of Henry, Marshall county, Illinois. They came
to Iowa in 1869 and passed away at Fort Dodge. Their children
w ere seven in number, Cordelia. Orselia, Livona, Emma, Flora, Mary
and Carrie. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born five children. Fred

70 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

E., who is superintendent of the government telephone system at
Phoenix, Arizona, wedded Miss Sarah Blaine, by whom he has five
children, Harry E., Belle J., De Merritt, Maude and Bernice. Leila
Orselia, who lives in Eort Dodge, is the wife of J. B. Ashton and the
mother of one son, Jay. Joel Othello, deceased, was a telephone
man. His widow, who bore the maiden name of Jennie Pace, resides
in Webster City, Iowa, with her four children, Wilbur. Hazel, Dor-
othy and Herbert. Minnie May ga\e her hand in marriage to E. H.
Martin of Webster City, a telephone man. They ha\e two sons,
Fred N. and Glen. Delia Edith Jones is the other member of our
subject's family. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in
i8go, when forty-eight years of age, passing away in the faith of the
Methodist church. Mr. Jones is a devoted member of that church.
He has passed the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey and
enjoys the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one
who has traveled thus far on this-earthly pilgrimage and whose life
has been at all times upright and honorable.

OLE C. HANSON.

Ole C. Hanson, manager of the Otho Mercantile Company, is
numbered among the worthy native sons and representative citizens
of Webster county and has for the past eight years served as clerk of
Otho townshi]). His birth occurred in Badger townsiiij) in Decem-
ber, 1883, his parents being Olaf and Ingeborg (Larson) Hanson,
both of whom are natives of Norway. Emigrating to the United
states, they took up their abode at Badger, Webster county, Iowa, in
1882. Olaf Hanson managed a store in Norway and after coming
to this country acted as section foreman for the Minneapolis & St.
Louis Railroad until about 1908, when he became paralyzed. In 1892
he took u]) his abode in Otho, where he still resides at the age of fifty-
four years, enjoying an enviable position in the regard and esteem
of his fellow townsmen. His wife has also attained the age of fifty-
four years.

Ole C. Hanson was reared and educated in Wel)ster county, at-
tending school until twelve years of age. Being one of a large family
of children, he was then obliged to provide for his own support and
entered the general store of Dawson & Wonders at Otho. in which he
remained for three years. Subsequently he spent four vears in the

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 71

employ of Dawson & Green and on tlie expiration of that period went
to Kalo, where he worked in the general store of Mr. Apland for
four years. At the end of that time he returned to Otho and accepted
the position of manager with the Otho Mercantile Company, which
office he has since retained, being also a stockholder of the concern.
The continued growth and success of the establishment is attributable
in large measure to the good judgment and capable management of
our subject. In igo8 the company erected the large and handsome
two-story brick building in which they have since conducted business,
carrying an extensive and complete line of goods at attractive prices
and being accorded an excellent patronage. Mr. Hanson owns a good
and commodious home in Otho. He is a stockholder in the Farmers
Elevator Company here.

On the 15th of June, 1Q04. our subject was united in marriage to
Miss Barbara Ballantyne, a daughter of Sandy and Lizzie Ballantyne,
natives of Scotland. They have two children, Ivan and Melva, who
are seven and four years of age respectively.

Ole C. Hanson is a stanch republican. He has served as clerk of
Otho township for the past eight years and at the present time is also
acting as assistant postmaster of Otho, discharging his duties in both
connections with signal ])roniptness and ability. Fraternally he is
identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. In religious faith
he is a Methodist. He has already won a creditable place in business
circles for one of his years and enjoys an extensive and favorable
acquaintance in the county in which his entire life has been s])ent.

F. M. SPRINGER.

I''. M. Springer, who is successfully engaged in farming in Webster
county, is the owner of an excellent tract of one hundred acres, on
section 34, Roland township. He was born in Stark county, Illinois,
August 17, 1856, a son of David and Mary (Chandler) Springer.
The father was born in Ohio and in his youth removed from that
state to Illinois, where he resided until 1874, when he came to Iowa,
settling near Paton, Greene county. In 1883 he came to Webster
county and located on a tract of land on section 34, Roland township.
He improved and culti\ate(l this farm and resided there until his
death which occurred in i<jo(). lie was a successful farmer and

72 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

stock-raiser, and became one of the substantial residents of this sec-
tion of the country. His wife is now hving on the old homestead.
In their family were six children : James Harvey, who is deceased ;
F. M., the subject of this review; G. F., who is a farmer in Roland
township; Elmer, who resides with his mother; Mrs. Christine
Young of Fort Dodge, Iowa ; and Ella, deceased.

F. M. Springer received his education in the common schools of
Illinois and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-
one years of age. He then started out in life for himself and was
employed for some time on a farm, but afterward returned home and
remained there until he was thirty-two years of age. He then located
on his present farm of one hundred acres situated on section 34 in
Roland township. He has cultivated and improved this land until he
now has an excellent homestead. He is engaged in general farming
and stock-raising. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres of land
near Redfield, South Dakota.

In Cowrie, Iowa, in 1879, Mr. Springer was married to Miss Lucy
J. Smith, who was born in Sullivan county. New "N'ork. To this
union one child was born, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs.
Springer have one adopted son, Mark, who is eleven years of age.

In politics Mr. Springer is republican, and both he and Mrs.
Springer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he
is a trustee. Fraternally he is identified witli the Modern Woodmen
of .America. He is i)rogressive and energetic, and in ail his social
and business relations is recognized as a man of genuine worth, who
lias won the respect and esteem of all with whom he has come into
contact.

cii.\i<:ij-:s J. sw'.wsTROM.

One of the highly respected citizens and retired l)usiness men of
Dayton is Charles J. Swanstrom, vice president of the Farmers State
Bank, who for nearly twenty years was identified with the lumber
interests of the town. He was born on a farm in the Linkoping dis-
trict in central Sweden, his parents being John and Joiianna (S wen-
son) Suanslrum, botii of whom are now deceased. The father was
for many years engaged in farming in Sweden, where he passed
away. After his death the motlier made her home witli her daugh-
ter, Mrs. Matilda Mel inc. who resided in Norrkoping, Sweden.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 73

Charles J. Swanstroni was reared at home and attended tlie schools
in the vicinity of his father's farm, hut a large portion of his educa-
tion was acquired under the instruction of his mother, who had been
given the advantages of good schooling. When fifteen years of age he
began to learn the cabinet-maker's trade which occupation he followed
until coming to America in 1868. In accordance with the law of the
land he served, at the age of twenty, two years in the Swedish army.
Not foreseeing any particular advantages or opportunities for advance-
ment in his native land, and feeling convinced that he could find such
in America, he left at the age of twenty-four the land of his birth
and took passage for the United States. Upon his arrival in this
country he went to Galesburg, Illinois, and there found employment
in a carpenter's shop. Two months later he left there and went to
Peoria, Illinois, where he followed various pursuits until 1871. In
the spring of that year he came to Webster county and located in
Dayton. He had very little means, but an abundance of energy and
determination of purpose, and felt assured that he would meet with
success. He established a shop and followed the carpenter's trade
with continuously increasing success until 1883. During that period
he managed to accumulate sufficient means to enable him to engage
in commercial activities, on a larger scale and, disposing of his shop
he went into the lumber business. The reputation he had acquired
for integrity and reliability proved to be an invalualile asset to him,
and this together with his enterprising and energetic methods en-
abled him to build up a thriving enterprise. The clear judgment and
intelligence he manifested in the development of his business enabled
him to extend his activities and at the time of his retirement in 1901,
he owned two lumberyards in Dayton. One was located at the Min-
neapolis & St. Paul station and the other at the Chicago & North-
western. He is now one of the largest stockholders of the Farmers
State Bank, of which he was one of the organizers. After they in-
corporated he was elected second vice president and retained that
office for five years, when he was made vice president and has ever
since served in that capacity. In addition to this he owns a half in-
terest in a fine farm in Lost Grove township, and extensive grain
lands in Canada, while he has a beautiful residence jiroperty in
Dayton.

In 1871, Mr. Swanstrom was united in marriage to Miss Helena
Catharine Bliss, the event being celebrated in this city. Mrs. Swan-
strom, who passed away on the 21st of December, 1898, was the
daughter of a soldier in the Swedish army. Six children were born

74 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

of this marriage as follows : Melvin, who died at the age of seven
years ; George W., a traveling salesman living at Washington, Kan-
sas ; Gus Albert, living with his father, who married Alice Johnson
of Dayton and has two children, Garrial and Bliss ; Harry, also liv-
ing with his father; Elmer, a partner in the Dayton Hardware Com-
pany, who married Hilma Youngdell of this city; and Vera, who mar-
ried Frank Donahey of Valley Junction, an employe of a Des Moines
Shoe Company-
Mr. Swanstrom has attained high rank in the Masonic fraternity
and belongs to the blue lodge of Dayton, commandery at Fort Dodge
and Shrine at Des Moines. In politics he is a stanch republican. He
has always taken an active interest in municipal affairs and served for
ten years in the council and on the school board for twenty, retiring
from the latter in the spring of 191 1. Mr. Swanstrom is a man of
many estimable qualities and by reason of his ability to dominate
conditions and convert obstacles into opportunities has won the admi-
ration of all with whom he has had dealings. He early learned that
even in America success is not easily won, but must be the achieve-
ment of unceasing diligence, the intelligent concentration of power
and the determination of purpose, that will not recognize defeat. His
career should be a source of inspiration to every ambitious young
man, as the prosperity he attained is the result of his own unaided
effort, no favorable circumstances or family influence ha\ing aided
him in his early struggle.

GEORGE D. HART, M. D.

No student of history can carry his investigations far into the
records of Weiister county without learning that the Hart family has
figured prominently in its sul)stautial upbuilding and development,
and it is, therefore, with iii.asurc lliat \vc present to our readers the
sketch of Dr. George D. iiari. long an able and distinguished phy-
sician of Otho, whose labors, however, have constituted but one phase
of his life, for he has ever been mindful of his obligations and duties
to his fellowmen and to city, state and nation. He was born in
Adams county, Illinois, July 26, 1S35, his parents being Norman and
Marcia (Hale) Hart, who were natives of Connecticut. The father
went to Adams county, Illinois, in 1834 and after a brief residence
there removed to Kane countv. Illinois, where he entered land from

^^Mt^ . ^j£<y^^a^ U^ . Ji<^t I' f

-^^^3/^

'C^.

^y-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 77

the go\ernnient. Xot a furrow had been turned nor an impro\'ement
made on his place and with characteristic energy lie began preparing
the land for culti\ation. Year after year he tilled his fields until

1854. when he sold that property and remo\ed to Webster county,
entering eighty acres of land in Otho township. The other mem-
bers of the family also entered land, which he improved and culti-
\ated to the time of his death. He died suddenly on the 31st of
March, 18S0. ha\ing for a few- years survived his wife, who passed
away in Feliruary, 1875. They were, indeed, worth)' pioneer set-
tlers of this region, arri\ing here when there was not a single rail-
road in this state, while a railway line extended only half way across
the state of Illinois. It was at their home on the 13th of J\Iarch,

1855, that the First Congregational church of Otho was organized,
these two worthy people becoining charter members and remaining
faithful thereto until called to their reward. For about two years
services were held at least part of the time in their home. For a
long period Mr. Hart ser\ed as one of the officers of the church and
his son Norman was the first superintendent of the Sunday school.

George D. Hart was reared and educated in Big Rock township,
Kane county, Illinois, and there remained until nineteen years of
age, when, in 1854, he accompanied his parents as they drove across
the country to Webster county, Iowa. Here he purchased one hun-
dred and twenty acres of land at two dollars and a half per acre.
A year after arriving here he set about improving his place and
operated it from 1858 until August 16, 1862, when patriotism be-
came the dominant element in his life and he enlisted as a member
of Company I, Thirty-second Iowa Infantry. He never served in
the ranks, however, for when the regiment started south from
Dubuque he was left in charge of the sick at Camp Franklin and
after rejoining his command at New Madrid, Missouri, on the 2d
of December, following, he served as hospital warden, being thus
on duty throughout the remainder of his term of enlistment. He
was finally honorably discharged because of disability on the ist of
July, 1865. It was his hospital experience that laid the foundation
for his profession. Fle became interested in the practice of medi-
cine and on his return home pursued a course of study in the office
of Dr. S. B. Olney, who was chief surgeon in his regiment. Having
thus qualified for active practice, he opened an ofilice in Otho, where
he has since remained. His ability in the field of his chosen pro-
fession has been widely recognized and has grown with further

reading and study, for he has kept in touch with the advanced scien-
voi. n— B

78 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

tific methods which are the result of modern investigation. He still
owns eighty acres of the land which he first purchased here on
section 28, Otho township, and he has a beautiful home in the village.
On the nth of November, 1858, Dr. Hart was married to Miss
Orlinda S. Moore, who was born in Ohio on November 26, 1840, and
was a daughter of Homer and Sarah (Minton) Moore, who came
with their family to Iowa in 1856. In the following summer Mrs.
Hart taught the first term of school and was one of the prominent
pioneer women of Elkhorn township. She passed away on the 28th
of January, 1883, leaving two children. Lillie H., the elder, born
September i, 1859, became the wife of Fred E. Payne and died
September 30, 1898, leaving two children: Calla H., born Septem-
ber 6, 1881; and George E., born May 16, 1887. Hoyt N. Hart,
born March 26, 1867, owns and operates a ranch at Paxton, Keith
county, Nebraska. He first married Carrie ^I. Plummer and they
had one child, Harrison Dolliver, born June 17, 1888. In 1906
Hoyt N. Hart married Miss Lula Salisbury and to them was born
one child, Lois, on November 22, 191 1. Dr. Hart was again mar-
ried June II, 1885, his second union being with Pervilla R. Alsever,
who was born in Oswego, New York, March 20, 1857, and in 1866
came to Webster county, Iowa, with her parents, Abram and Arminda
(Fish) Alsever, who were natives of New York. On arriving here
her father took up river land and also bought lots in the village of
Burnside, where he lived until 1902, when he retired from active
business life and removed to Fort Dodge. There he remained until
1909, when he took up his abode in the town of Otho, where he
passed away in January, 19 10. His first wife died in April, 1877,
and he was subsequently married to Mrs. Annie Perry, who now
makes her home in Lehigh, this county. By the second marriage
of Dr. Hart there has been born one son, Seth Norman, on August
18, 1888, who was married, November 6, 1910, to Bess R. Everett
and they have one son, Norman Dwight, born September 10, 1912.
Seth N. Hart has since lived in Ohio, where he owns and conducts
a photographic studio, enjoying a large practice. On the 12th of
October, 1895, ^^- '^"'^ Mrs. Hart adopted an orphan girl, Albertina
Anderson, who was born March 29, 1880, and was married January
I, 1 90 1, to Henry W. Wakeman, a farmer of Otho township. They
have four children: Florence P., bom December 16, 1901 ; Lola B.,
born October 29. 1903; George M., born November 15. 1905; and
Lewis A., bom February 3, 1908. Dr. and Mrs. Hart also adopted
a son, Dwight M., a son of J. M. Moore, who was one of the early

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 79

settlers of the county. Dwight was born December i6, 1876, in
Steele City, Nebraska, and in 1902 married Hattie La Valley. They
have one child. Erma, born in 1903.

Aside from his activity as a physician, Dr. Hart has done well
for his community in public office, serving as a trustee of his town-
ship for a number of years and also as its first road supervisor. He
has been justice of the peace for three different terms and overseer
of the cemetery of Otho for more than a half century. He was a
charter member of Fort Donelson Post, G. A. R., of Fort Dodge,
Iowa, and he has always given his political allegiance to the republi-
can party, believing firmly in its principles. He holds membership
in the First Congregational church of Otho, of which he has been
a deacon since 1880. He was present on its organization, March
13, 1855, and on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary celebration.
He has long taken a most active and helpful part in the church work
and his aid and influence are ever given to promote the moral prog-
ress of the town and county. He has a wide acquaintance and all
who know him are glad to call him friend, for his has been an up-
right, honorable life, bringing to him the confidence and justly merited
regard of those with whom he has been associated.

M. B. DALY.

jM. B. Daly is one of the well known merchants of Lehigh, ^^'ebster
county, Iowa, where he is successfully engaged in conducting a gen-
eral mercantile store located in the Tyson block. He was born De-
cember 16, 1878, and is a son of Patrick and Aruia (Halpin) Daly.
The father was for some years engaged in the coal business in com-
pany with our subject, under the firm name of the Daly Coal Com-
pany, but later they sold their coal mines. The father died at the
age of sixty-three years. Patrick Daly was a member of the Knights
of Columbus of Fort Dodge, and he and his wife were loyal mem-
bers of the Catholic church of that city and are buried at Fort Dodge.
They were the parents of fourteen children, twelve of whom are
living.

M. B. Daly was reared at home and received his early education in
the public schools of Lehigh, Iowa. After completing his school
years he was engaged in the mercantile business with his father in
Lehigh, the latter having established the business where E. L. Woodle's

80 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

store now stands, and in addition to his mercantile interests Mr. Daly-
was interested in the operation of a coal mine, which was later sold,
but he continued to maintain and operate his coal yards in addition
to his store. He later sold his store and purchased the Bird Supply
Company, a general merchandising establishment located in South
Lehigh. That property he successfully operated for two years, after
which time he changed his location and established his business in
the Tyson block, where he has since continued and has met with
gratifying success. He carries a full line of rubber goods and gen-
eral merchandise. He delivers his sales to the city trade and also
has a substantial trade from the surrounding country within a dis-
tance of four or five miles from his store. He is one of the principal
stockholders of the First National Bank of Lehigh.

Mr. Daly was united in marriage on the 29th of November, 1906,
to Miss Mary E. Powers, a daughter of Thomas and Ellen Powers.
Mr. Daly is affiliated with the democratic party and has his fraternal
relations with the Knights of Columbus, belonging to Fort Dodge
Lodge, No. 613, and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America of Lehigh. He and his wife are members of the Catholic
church. Mr. Daly, from the early period of his young manhood, has
been constantly engaged in business enterprises in Webster county,
and for many years has been numbered among the representative men
of Lehigh. His well known reputation for integrity in business mat-
ters and the uprightness of his character have placed him among the
desirable and useful citizens of his countv and state.

CH.\RLES A. AXDEKSOX.

Charles A. Anderson is one of the enterprising agriculturists of
Webster county, Iowa, where he is successfully operating a stock and
grain farm of one hundred and seventy-five and one-half acres located
on section 6, Burnside township. He was born July 28, 1866, and is a
son of J. S. and Emma Elizabeth (Lundgren) Anderson, both of
whom were natives of Sweden, and with their family of two chil-
dren emigrated to the L'nited States and settled in Henry county,
Illinois, and later the father established his home on section 33, Clay
township, Webster county, Iowa, in 1874. J. S. Anderson was twice
married. He and his first wife were the parents of six children;
Charles A., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Anna Lundquist, a resi-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 81

dent of Nebraska; Mrs. Amanda Larson, who resides five miles
northeast of Gallary, Clay township ; Mrs. Agnes E. Sedholm ; Robert,
whose home is located three miles northeast of Gallary; and Paul,
who is living five miles northeast of Gallary, Iowa. The last three
named were born in Webster county, Iowa. By his second union
Mr. Anderson had a family of six children, all of whom are de-
ceased. He belongs to the democratic party and is a member of the
Swedish Lutheran church.

Charles A. Anderson was reared at home and receixetl his educa-
tion in the public schools of Webster county, Iowa. He later taught
school in Clay township for four years, and in the spring of 1893 he
purchased from Thomas Wright of Fort Dodge, a fami of one hun-
dred and seventy-five and one-half acres, for years known as the
McBane place. At the time Mr. Anderson purchased the farm it was
all unbroken prairie land and he has since improved the property with
suitable farm dwellings and brought the land to a high state of culti-
\ation. The county drain runs directly through his land, thus afford-
ing a perfect drainage for every acre of land. On this property he
has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits and makes a speciality
of high-grade cattle and thoroughbred hogs and horses. Mr. Ander-
son maintains his residence at Fort Dodge and drives to his farm
nil innings and at the close of the day returns home for the night.
He has been a trustee of Burnside township for a number of years and
is known as one of the reliable and enterprising citizens of that town-
ship of which he has been a resident for nearly a quarter of a century.

ARNOLD E. HOUGE.

Arnold E. Houge, numbered among the younger business men of
Webster county, is actively engaged in the conduct of a hardware
establishment at Badger and in this connection is meeting with well
merited success. His birth occurred in Badger township, this county,
on the 3d of April, 1885, his parents being Peter A. and Elnora
(Lindljerg) Houge, the former a native of Wisconsin and the latter
of Webster county, this state. Peter A. Houge, who came to this
county at an early date, turned his attention to the operation of a
farm left him by his father and was actively engaged in its cultiva-
tion and improvement until 1893, when he put aside the work of the
fields and took up his abode in I'adger, where for se\eral years pre-

82 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

viously he had conducted a hardware store. After coming to Badger
he devoted his entire attention to that business, remaining an active
factor in commercial circles here until he died. His sketch appears
elsewhere in this volume. His widow has spent her entire life in
Webster county and is well known and highly esteemed within its
borders.

Arnold E. Houge obtained his early education in the schools of
his native county and subsequently attended Drake University at Des
Moines. After putting aside his text-books he came to Badger and
embarked in the hardware business as a partner of his father, at whose
death he became sole proprietor of the establishment. He carries an
extensive line of shelf and heavy hardware and enjoys a liberal
patronage. In addition to his store Imilding he owns an attractive
residence in the town of Badger.

On the 2d of June, 1909, Mr. Houge was united in marriage to
Miss Gertrude Peterson, a daughter of Rasmus and Rhoda Peterson.
They have one child, Doris Evelyn, who is in her second year. Mr.
Houge gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is ably
serving as a member of the town council. His religious faith is that
of the Lutiieran churcii, wiiile fraternally he is identified with the
Modern Woodmen of .\merica, acting as clerk of the local lodge of
that order. .V man of high worth and sterling integrity, ilr. Houge is
widely respected and esteemed in the community which has always
been his home.

JOHX A. LIXD.

John A. Lind has been a resident of Iowa since 1876. He is the
president of the Harcourt Savings Bank, and since 1908 has been
postmaster of Harcourt, in which city he resides. He was born in
I'^olkoping, Sweden, May 4, 1848. and is a son of .\ndrew and Kate
(Jackson) Swanson, both of whom were natives of Sweden, where
the father followed farming. He emigrated with his family to Amer-
ica in 1866, and upon reaching the port of New York the ship was
quarantined for seven weeks on account of its having on board seven
hundred passengers who were afflicted with cholera, among whom
was the father of the subject of this review. He was removed to a
hospital where he died and was Ijuried in Xew York. The mother

HISTORY OF WEIiSTER COUNTY 83

with the sur\i\-ing members of her family settled in Rockfonl, Illi-
nois, at which place a sister of our subject was living.

John A. Lind, after establishing his home in Rockford, took up work
in the foundry of the X. C. Thompson Company at that place and
continued in that occupation until he came to Webster county, in 1868,
and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, after which
he returned In Rockford. where he again engaged in foundry work
until 1874. In that year he went to his farm and cultivated the land
for one year and then returned again to Rockford and engaged in
work for a similar length of time. In 1876 he made his permanent
settlement on his farm in \\'ebster county and was continuously
engaged in agricultural inirsuits for the twenty-sex'en years follow-
ing. He is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of highly
developed land. In 1903 he established his residence in Harcourt.
where he has since continued to reside. He is president of the Har-
court Savings Bank, and in Xovember. 1907, received the appoint-
ment as postmaster of Harcourt and has since continued in that
office.

Mr. Lind was married in 1871 to Miss .Amanda Clay, a daughter
of Andrew Clay of Rockford, Illinois. The father was a native of
Sweden and is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Lintl have been born
seven children. Jennie married August Peterson, who is engaged
in the butcher business in Harcourt, and they now have eight chil-
dren. Victor, who is a leading meat dealer of Boxholm, is married
and has four children. Oscar, an agriculturist of Lost Grove town-
ship, is married and the father of three children. Emily became the
wife of Oscar Schill, a farmer of Lost Grove town.ship, and is the
mother of two children. Arthur, who operates the old homestead, is
married and has two children. Afarlin. who is married and has two
children, is engaged in agricultural jjursuits. Esther became the wife
of h'rank D. Carlson, a railroad employe at Davenport. Iowa, and
now resides in that city. The mother of this family died on the
home farm in Lost Grove tow-nship, September 29, 1880, and in Feb-
ruary. 1886, the father wedded Miss Anna Johnson, a daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. A. Ephraim Johnson. To this union four children were
born: llilma, a student in Drake University at Des Moines, Iowa;
Reuben, a resident of Boxholm ; and Mamie and Roy, who are attend-
ing Tobin College at Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Mr. Lind is affiliated with the republican ])arty and has served
as road supervisor and assessor of Lost Grove township. He has
been a member of the board of su])er\'isors for seven years and

84 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUXTY

trustee of the township for six. He and his family are members of
the Swedish Lutheran church of Harcourt. During his residence in
Iowa he has steadily gained in the esteem of the people of Webster
county and has for many years been placed by public opinion among
the enterprising and public-spirited citizens of his portion of the
state.

GEORGE SCHXURR.

George Schnufr is well known in business circles of Webster county
as one of the proprietors of the Kalo Brick & Tile Company, which
plant he purchased in partnership w ith his brother William a number
of years ago. At the present time he is serving as postmaster of Otho,
where he makes his home. He was born in Buffalo, Scott county,
Iowa, on the 14th of February, 1874, his parents being Andrew and
Amelia (Haase) Schnurr, more extended mention of whom is made
on another page of this work in comiection with the sketch of \\i\-
liam Schnurr, a brother of our subject.

George Schnurr accomi)anied his parents on their removal to this
county, when six years of age, and here obtained his education. After
leaving school he went to work in the coal mines, being thus em-
ployed until 1893. ^" ^'I'l'^ year, in association with his brother and
father, he embarked in the lumber and grain business at Otho. Later
he and his brother William purchased the brick and tile plant of John-
son Brothers near Kalo, which they have operated to the present
time, under the name of the Kalo Brick & Tile Company, enlarging it
as the business grew and expanded under their capable mangement.
At the present time their daily output is about eight carloads. George
Schnurr is the president, a stockholder and a director of the Otho
Mercantile Company, the other officers of that concern being as fol-
lows : William Schnurr, treasurer; John D. Fortney. secretary; Paul
Scheerer, vice president; and O. C. Hanson, manager. Our subject is
a stockholder in the Leighton Supply Company of Fort Dodge, Iowa,
the Monarch Telephone Company of b"ort Dodge and the Fort Dodge
National Bank. He owns an attractive residence in Otho and he and
his brother William have an excellent farm of three hundred and
twenty acres in this county. He possesses untiring energy, is quick
of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execu-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 85

tion, and his close application to business and- excellent management
have lirought to him llic prosperity wliicli is today his.

On the 7th of Xovember, 1895, Mr. Schnurr was joined in wed-
lock to Miss Cora Fortney, a daughter of David and Isabelle (Todd)
Fortney, of whom more extended mention is made on another page
of this work in connection with the sketch of George William Fort-
ney. a brother of Mrs. Sclmurr. Mr. and Mrs. Schnurr ha\e one
child. Gilbert A., who is fifteen years of age.

5ince age conferred upon him the right of franchise George Schnurr
has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believing
that its principles are the most conducive to good government. He is
serving as postmaster of the town of Otho, ably discharging the duties
devolving upon him in that connection. In religious faith he is a
Methodist, while fraternally he is identified with the ^lodern Wood-
men of America. High and manly principles have characterized his
entire life, winning for him a creditable position in the regard of his
fellowmen.

WILLLAAI J. McDERMOTT.

Although the life of William J- JMcDermott has not been in any
way extraordinary, his opportunities have been intelligently utilized
and his energies directed toward the achievement of success. He is
a native of Wel^ster county, his birth having occurred in Pleasant
Valley township, in Xovember, 1869. and a son of Ambrose and
Bridget (Lahiffj McDermott. Both are of Irish lineage, although
the father is a native of Iowa, while the mother was born in New
Hampshire. .\mbro'se McDermott came to \\'ebster county in 1866,
locating in Pleasant \alley township. Later lie removed to Fort
Dodge and established a lilacksmith sho]), wliicli lie conducted for sex-
era! years. At the expiration of that time he purchased forty acres of
land in Jackson township and once more identified himself with agri-
cultural pursuits. His efforts in this direction were well rewarded
and he was subsequently a1)le to extend his iioldings until lie iiad ac-
quired two hundred acres of fertile land. He energetically applied
himself to the further improvement and cultivation of his farm until
1902, when he retired from active work. His death occurred on
September 20, 1912.

86 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

William J. AIcDermott was reared at home and educated in the
public schools. He assisted his father in various ways about the
farm until he had attained his majority, when he left home and
started out for himself. Purchasing eighty acres of his father's hold-
ings in Jackson township he engaged in farming for himself, con-
tinuing his agricultural pursuits for about nine years. At the expira-
tion of that time he sold his place and coming to Clare went into the
insurance and real-estate business, which he has since followed. He
has won the success that invariably rewards diligent effort and well
defined purpose and in addition to a fine residence property in Clare,
owns a farm of a hundred and seventy-five acres in Clay county, Iowa.
He was one of the organizers of the Clare Mutual Telephone Com-
pany and owns stock in this enterprise, of which he is manager.

In June, 1906, Mr. McDennott was married to Miss Anna T. Hood,
a daughter of John T. and Bridget (Rial) Hood, natives of Canada
and Pennsylvania, respectively. Two children have been born of this
marriage: Howard A., who is four years of age; and Isabelle, who
is two.

The parents are communicants of the Roman Catholic church and
fraternally Mr. McDermott is affiliated with the Knights of Colum-
bus, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Modern Woodmen of
America. Politically he supports the democratic party. He was sec-
retary of the school board in Jackson township for twelve years, and
he also held the office of trustee. At the present time he is discharg-
ing the duties of town clerk and is secretary of the independent school
district. He is a man of laudable ambition, earnest purpose and un-
ceasing energy, which qualities have constituted dominant factors in
the achievement of his success.

STEWART CARTER.

'Ihe death of Stewart Carter occurred on Xoveniber i, 1861. He
was born in Virginia, February 14, 182 1, and his parents, Edwin and
Judith (Carter) Carter, were also natives of that state. They re-
moved to St. Louis, Missouri, when the subject of our sketch was a
child and he received his early training and education in the public
schools of that city. Upon putting aside his books Stewart Carter
entered the army, and his distinguished military sen-ice is still remem-
bered and commented upon in St. Louis. He served the government
as assistant paymaster during the war with Mexico, and after hostil-

HISTORY OF WKBSTF.R COL'NTY 87

ities had ceased he went to Washington, D. C, and was there (Hs-
charged. He immediately returned to St. Louis and was acti\e in
the banking business for many years. He was widely known as an
honorable, sagacious and conservative financier, whose activities were
largely responsible for the growth of the institution with which he
was connected. He gained a reputation in St. Louis for the sound
and concise policies, along which his banking transactions were con-
ducted, and no breath of suspicion was ever connected with his name.
He died on November i, 1861, after an illness of only fi\-e days. He
left behind him a wife and three children to mourn his loss.

Mr. Carter's marriage occurred I~)eceml).M- 14, 1854. His wife in
her maidenhood bore the name of Mary Rhodes, who was born in
\^irginia. February 9, 1835. She is a daughter of Hillary and Marion
(Carter) Rhodes, who were prominent residents of Virginia, in which
state her mother died when Mrs. Carter was eight years of age. After
her death the husl)and and family rcmuved to St. Louis, Missouri,
where the daughter Mary was reared and educated. Mary Rhodes
was married in that city and after her husband's death removed with
her children to Fort Dodge, Iowa, traveling here by stage coach at a
time when there were no railroads. Li 1865 she bought the beautiful
home of Dr. Pease on the corner of Fourth street and Fifth avenue,
which was the residence of this first and well known physician in
Fort Dodge. She resided here until 188 1, when she rented her prop-
erty and removed to Des Moines, Iowa, where she made her home
until May, i8g6. At the end of that time, however, she returned
to Fort Dodge, and again took up her home in the old residence in this
city, where she is now living. The house may well be termed
one of the historical buildings in the city. It was built in 1857
and the Ijrick for this building, which was one of the imposing
structures of its day, had to be hauled by wagon from Dubuque,
Iowa. The house was built for the purpose of a doctor's of-
fice but it was also the home of other tenants which are of more or
less interest to the general pul)lic. While the first courthouse was in
course of construction and pending its erection, court was held in
the upper story of the house and at the same time a Iiasement room
was used as the postoffice. In another ])art of the lower story was
conducted the only drug store existing at that time in the city. The
house even today, after standing over fifty years, is in an excellent
state of preservation and here Mrs. Carter still makes her home. The
site where it stands is that of old Fort Dodge and the band stand
in the city jiark now occu])ies land where the old ])arade grounds were,

88 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

while the new Wauhkonsa school stands on the place where once the
soldiers' mess house was. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Carter were the
parents of three children, namely: Edwin S., who died in 1883 when
he was twenty-five years of age : John F., who died December 22,
191 1, after an illness of only six days with typhoid pneumonia, and
who was a prominent and wealthy jeweler of Fort Dodge and pro-
prietor of the Carter Jewelry Company, which enterprise his widow
is now conducting; and Anna S.. who is residing with her mother.

Mrs. Carter and her daughter affiliate with St. Marks Episcopal
church of Fort Dodge, and are well and favorably known in religious
circles of that city. The prosperity which they now enjoy they owe to
the efforts of Stewart Carter whose activities in financial circles of St.
Louis resulted in his accumulation of a comforable fortune. The
character of the work which he did during his life and the prominence
of the place which he obtained were evidenced In- tiie deep regret
which attended his death. He won prosi)eritv. but he was a man who
valued the respect and esteem of his friends higher than business suc-
cess, and was happy in the attainment of both ambitions.

M AF'JY ALICE CAREY.

Mary .Mice Carey is tilling llic position of county superintendent
of scluKils and is making an e.xccllent record in that connection. She
has given proof of her ability as an educator and she keeps in close
touch with the most advanced ideas on educational matters. A native _
of Hazclton, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, she is a daughter of
James and Mary (McCabe) Carey, who were natives of Ireland, thc
former l)orn in County Tipperary and the latter in County Cavan.

Mai-y Alice Carey was Iirought to Fort Dodge in early girlhood and
has here s])ent the greater part of her life. She was educated in the
parochial schools and w-as graduated from the Lady of Lourdes Acad-
emy, in charge of the Sisters of Mercy. She then began teaching,
having charge of a school in Buena \'ista county, while later she be-
came a teacher of Webster county, l^eing identified with the work of
the schools here for twenty-eight years. Li this connection she made
a creditable record, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowl-
edge that she had acquired. She was appointed county superintendent
of schools in September, 1909, to fill out the unexpired term of E. E.
Cavanaugh, who resigned, and in 1910 she was elected to the office.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 89

She has always been interested in educational matters, seeking prog-
ress along those lines, and she takes an active part in teachers' meet-
ings. Her religious faith is that of the Catholic church. She be-
longs to the Catholic Order of Foresters and is president of the Young
Ladies's Sodality of Corpus Christi church.

ERNEST L. WEISS.

Ernest L. Weiss owns and cultixates a large farm in Cooper town-
ship, Webster county, and by constant application has gained an en-
viable degree of prosperity. He was born in Cook county, Illinois,
where Maywood is now located, on the 14th of May, 1864, a son of
F. L. and Rcinhekla (Gunther) Weiss. The father came from Ger-
many to America with his parents when he was but sixteen years of
age. The family located in Cook county and in that early day fre-
quently drove with ox teams to Chicago when there were only two
stores in that city. The grandfather entered land in that vicinity and
the father at one time owned the property upon which the Chicago
& Northwestern Railroad tracks from Chicago to Maywood are now
laid. He improved his farm and was engaged in operating it until
1870, when he disposed of it and came to \\'ebster county, Iowa. In
this county he purchased'one hundred and sixty acres in Cooper tow n-
ship at fifty dollars an acre and later added ten acres. He immediately
began improving the property and was busily engaged in clearing and
cultivating it until 1890. In that year he rented his property, retired
and removed to Fort Dodge, where he resided until his death, which
occurred May 25, 1893. The mother passed away in February, 1901.

Ernest L. \\'eiss acquired his education in the public schools of
Fort Dodge. Being but six years of age when his parents removed
here, he has spent almost his entire life within the confines of the
county. Until his. father retired and removed from his farm he re-
mained at home. Afterward he rented the farm, which he operated
until 1896, the year in which he purchased the home place. His entire
active career has been spent upon the farm and during that period he
has been a most active factor in bringing its fields under a high state
of cultivation and he has made many substantial improvements. Few
farms in Cooper township present a more thrifty appearance. Not
only is it all under a high state of culti\ation but the buildings and
machinery with which it is equipped are all of the most modern and

90 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

improved kind. Mr. Weiss raises from fifty to ninety head of hogs
each year and keeps about twenty-five head of cattle and eleven head
of horses. He also cultivates one hundred and seven acres of rented
land.

On the 24th of IMay, 1888, Mr. Weiss was married to Miss Bertha
Weiss, a daughter of Ernest and Wilhelmina (Beecher) Weiss,
natives of Germany. The father came direct to Webster county,
Iowa, when he left hii; native land in 1876 and immediately accepted
employment in the Coalville inines. For about five years he worked
there before going to Humboldt county and purchasing forty acres of
land, w hich he immediately began to improve. As he was financially
able to do so, he purchased additional property and at one time he
owned four hundred acres. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits
until his death, which occurred on the 14th of May, 1898. The
mother's death occurred. January 13, 1908. To Mr. and Mrs. E. L.
Weiss five children iia\e been born: Alma, who is the wife of the
Rev. William Schaffer and resides in Martinsburg, Nebraska; Alvin,
Walter and Emma, all at home ; and IMatilda. who is attending the
German Lutheran school at Fort Dodge.

In his political views Mr. Weiss has long been a stalwart democrat
and. though he has not been a ]:)olitician in the sense of seeking
ofiice, he is ever loyal to the best interests of the community and has
served as road supen-isor of his township. He is a stockholder in the
German Investment Company and also the Commercial National Bank
of Fort Dodge. In his religious faith he is a Lutheran and he and
his family hcil<l mcmlicrslii]) in tlie 'German Lutheran church of Fort
Dodge. Prominent in the county where he has resided for many
years, he well deserves representation in this volume, for his social
qualities have made him many friends, while his business record is
creditable and cn\iable.

HUGH COLLINS.

Hugh Collins was among the early settlers of W'ebster county,
taking up his abode in Jackson township in 1855. He was a native
of Ireland and followed farming as his life occupation, passing away
on the 9th of September, 1889, just two 3-ears after the death of his
wife, Mrs. Catherine CRussell) Collins. Their son, Michael H. Col-
lins, is at the present time, cashier of the State Bank of Clare, which

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 91

is one of the firmly established and conservati\e financial institutions
of Webster county, with a paid up capital of twenty-five thousand
dollars. Its officials all, are men of recognized business ability and
well tried integrity whose honorable dealings and sound principles
have won them the confidence of the communitv.

JOHN F. FORD.

John F. Ford is well known in business circles of Fort Dodge as
proprietor of the Berryhill Book and Stationery Store and promi-
nently identified with the public life of the city as the mayor of Fort
Dodge. He was born in this city, on the 25th of November, 1864,
his parents being Walter and Mary (Gar\'ey) Ford, both of whom
were natives of Ireland. The father came to America in 1855, locat-
ing immediately in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He spent a number of years
as a teamster before he took up a claim in Pocahontas county, just
across the line from Webster. For twenty years he was occupied in
clearing and improving this property and during that time proved
himself to be a most capable agriculturist. Disposing of his prop-
erty, he removed to Clare, Webster county, where he lived retired until
his death, which occurred in June, 1908. The mother passed away
in 1883.

John F. Ford pursued his education in the public schools of Iowa
and remained at home until he reached his majority. At that time he
engaged in farming independently, purchasing property in Webster
county. Until 1S93 ^'^^ &3.ve his entire time and attention to cultivat-
ing his farm and making it one of the most highly productive tracts
in his section. In that year, however, he catne to Fort Dodge and
entered the county auditor's office as deputy. He sen-ed in that ca-
pacity for six years. By the end of that time he had shown his abil-
ity and he was elected auditor, an office which he held for six years.
Prior to that time he had purchased an interest in the Berryhill Com-
pany, dealers in stationery and office supplies. Consequently, upon
leaving the auditor's office he entered the Berryhill Company and
was made its manager. At a later date he purchased the entire stock
and he is now conducting the store at Nos. 919-921 Central avenue.
He deals exclusively in books and stationery and his accurate knowl-
edge of his stock, combined with good business ability, has made his
venture a success from the beginning and his investment a profitable
one.

92 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

On the 27th of September, 1893, Mr. Ford was married to Miss
Nellie Howard, a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Butler) Howard,
natives of Ireland, who came to America at an early day and located
in Canada. The father's death occurred in that country and the
mother removed to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where she was later married
to Thomas Brennan. an agriculturist of Webster county. To Mr. and
Mrs. Ford five cliildren have been born, Howard, Ellen, Charlotte,
Mary and Alice.

Mr. F'ord gives his support to the republican party and in March,
191 1, was elected mayor of Fort Dodge under the commission plan
of government. In religious faith he is a Catholic. He holds mem-
bership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Wood-
men of America, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, The
Knights of Columbus and the Improved Order of Red Men. He is
a congenial, affable man, who by reason of his enterprise, persever-
ance and business capacity has taken a prominent place among Fort
Dodge's successful citizens.

'lina'LIOL'S McXEELY.

Theulious McXeely was l)nrn in Illinois, April 16, 1838, and
died in Duncombe, Iowa, on January 9, 1910, in his seventy-second
year. During his long life he had many claims to the respect and es-
teem of his fellow citizens. He was an early settler in Webster coun-
ty, a prominent and successful farmer and an honored veteran of
the Civil war. His death was widely and deeply regretted, for his
upright life and his liigh standards of conduct had gained him many
friends. He was a resident of Webster county for over half a cen-
tury, coming to Washington township in 1855 with his parents from
Illinois. He was a son of James and Martha ( Broomhall) McXeely,
the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia,
both of Irish ancestry. The father was a tailor by trade and worked
at that occupation in Illinois for some years. Upon coming to Web-
ster county he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land in
Washington townshi]), which he improved and operated until his
death in 1884. He was svu-vived by his wife until the fall of 1893.

Theulious McNeely was reared and educated in Illinois and was
sixteen years of age when he came to Iowa, and remained at home
until January, 1862, when he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred

n

U^j yiY^'t^J'^^'w

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 95

and Sixtieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. On Septemlaer 19, of the fol-
lowing year, at the battle of luka, Mississippi, he received a severe
gun-shot wound and was soon afterward again disabled. On account
of this he was disqualified for further service and returned home
settling upon his father's farm. He remained at home until the
father's death when he inherited the three hundred and twenty acres
which constituted the homestead. He made many improvements
upon the property and operated it until 1893, when he retired from
active life. During the years in which he followed general farm-
ing he gained a gratifying degree of success by always following mod-
ern and progressive methods and keeping abreast of agricultural
advancement. When he abandoned farming he moved to Dun-
combe, where he erected a fine home in which he resided until his
death, which occurred on January 9, 19 10, after a few months'
illness.

On December 26, 1859, ]\Ir. McNeely was united in marriage to
Miss Eugenia Serrissa Clark, a daughter of Joel and Betsy (Hill)
Clark, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Massa-
chusetts. Her father came to Webster county, Iowa, in 1855 and
purchased eighty acres of land in ^^'ebster township, which he cul-
tivated and improved for a number of years, later buying forty ad-
joining acres. Ele engaged in general farming until the outbreak of
the Civil war when he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and
Sixtieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving as fifer. He was later
transferred to Company F, and was discharged after one year of
service on account of sickness. He returned home and operated his
farm in Webster county until his death which occurred in 1887.
He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1857. Mr. and
Mrs. ]\IcXeely had an adopted son, \A'illiam, who passed away in
1878 and also undertook the education of Mrs. McXeely's younger
sister, who is deceased, Ixit whose daughter is now making her home
with the wife of our subject. She was in her maidenhood Miss
Genie Ford, and is now the widow of William Spike.

In his political afiiliations Mr. McNeely was a consistent dem-
ocrat. He was honored by his fellow citizens by election to the
mayor's chair and served in that important ofiice for four years to
the general satisfaction of the puljlic, making a record of which he
had every reason to be proud. He was a member of the Modern
Woodmen of America, his only fraternal affiliation. He was a de-
vout adherent of the Methodist church, to which religion his wife
also gives her allegiance. His death was the occasion of widespread

96 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

regret, for his life had been in all its relations useful and upright.
He attained success gradually, working his way forward until he
occupied a foremost position among the leading agriculturists of this
section of the state, his life proving conclusively that success is
the result of determination and honoralile methods.

EUGENE M DUNNING.

For nearly forty years Eugene Dunning, a resident of Fort Dodge,
has been in the livery business in this city. He was born in Kenosha
county, Wisconsin, November 21, 1846, a son of C. P. and Rachel
G. (Gordineer) Dunning. The father was a native of Scotland and
was one of the first settlers in Ripon, Wisconsin. He engaged in the
livery and elevator business in that town for several years before re-
moving to Chicago, where he resided until his death which occurred
in 1901. The mother was a native of New 'S'ork state and her death
occurred in 1903. They are buried at I-^ort Dodge.

In the public schools of Ripon. Wisconsin, Eugene M. Dunning
acquired his education. He resided there continuously until he was
twentv-five years of age with the excei)tion of the time lie served in
the Civil war. He enli.sted in Company B, Forty-first Wisconsin
N'olunteer Infantry at the age of fifteen years. After his return home
he completed his education. At the age of twenty-five years he came
to Fort Dodge, Iowa, and engaged in the li\ery business. He had
conducted a small establishment for seven years in Ripon and re-
moved his stock here from that city. Because of his long connection
with the business he is one of the most thorough horsemen and livery-
men in Fort Dodge.

Mr. Dunning has been twice married. In 1S71 he wedded Miss
Josephine Ellis, a daughter of O. R. and Mattie (Benedict) Ellis,
natives of Xew York state. To this union one child was born. Claude,
now deceased. Mrs. Dunning"s death occurred in 1887. In 1889
Mr. Dunning was married to Miss Addie Keltz. a daughter of Adam
and Eliza (Wilson) Keltz, nati\es of renns\l\ania Init of Scotch de-
scent. The father came to Boone, Iowa, at an early date, and edited a
newspaper in that city. Subsequently he removed to Webster county,
took up a claim and engaged in agricultural pursuits imtil 1898. In
that year he retired and removed to Fort Dodge, where he resided until
he went to Ocean Springs. Mississippi, to spend the winter. There he

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 97

contracted smallpox wliich caused his death in 1900 The mother
is living in Fort Dodge at the age of se\-enty-seven years. To Mr.
Dunning's second union one child was born, Jean E., who is twenty
years of age and is an accomplished musician, having for six years
played clarinet in the Y. M. C. A orchestra and being leader of three
organizations of that kind.

Mr. Dunning is a republican. He iiolds membership in the Ma-
sonic lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star. He is also affiliated
with the Knights of Pythias, the Grand Army of the Repul)lic and
the Iowa Legion of Honor. Mrs. Dunning is affiliated with the Pres-
byterian church and the daughter is a member of the Congregational
church. Mr. Dunning has a wide acquaintance in tlie city, where most
of his life has been spent and where he lias had such a long business
-career, and his strongly marked characteristics are such as commend
him to the trust and friendship of his fellowmen.

DARWIX GREEN.

Darwin Green is successfully engaged in l)usiness as the juniijr mem-
ber of tlie firm nf Dawson & Green, cnnducling a mercantile establish-
ment at Otho. His birth occurred in Joliet, Illinois, on the 13th of -\u-
gust, 1863. his parents being Charles and .\manda (Gifford) Green,
both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father removed to
Illinois at a very earl}- date and there worked at the machinist and car-
penter trades until 1869. In that year he drove across the country
to Iowa, locating in Humboldt county, where he remained until the
spring of 1870. At that time he took up his abode in Fort Dodge,
Webster county, where he worked at his trade and was employed as
pattern maker in a fnundry. In 1885 lie remo\ed to Kalo and spent
the remainder of his life in honorable retirement, passing away in
the home of our subject in April. 1898. For two decades he had sur-
vived his wife, who.se demise occurred on the 15th of .April, 1878.

Darwin Green was reared and educated in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and
after putting aside his text-books entered the service of the Rock
Island Railroad. Subsetiuently he was employed as car checker by
the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad for four years, on the expira-
tion of which period that cor])oration sent him to Kalo as agent and
operator. When the station at that point was closed he was sent to
Otho in the same capacity and ably discharged the duties devolving

98 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

upon him for about ten years. He then resigned his position and em-
barked in the mercantile business in partnership with WilHam Daw-
son, with whom he has since remained as the junior member of the
firm of Dawson & Green. They carry an extensive stock and enjoy a
well merited patronage, winning and retaining customers by reason
of their straightforward and honorable business dealings. Mr. Green
and his partner own the store building and the former also has an
attractive residence in Otho. He is a stockholder in the Farmers
Elevator Company of Otho and has long enjoyed an enviable reputa-
tion as one of the prosperous and esteemed citizens of the comnumity.

On the 22d of December, 1885, Mr. Green was united in marriage
to Miss Lottie E. Weaver, who was born at Morrison, Illinois, in
August, 1864, her parents being Benjamin and \\'ealthy (Johnson)
Weaver, natives of Pennsylvania and Vermont, respectively. The fa-
ther was of German descent, while the mother is of Scotch lineage.
At a period when the Indians still inhabited this part of the country
Benjamin Weaver journeyed to Illinois, taking up his abode at F^ul-
ton. He there worked at the carpenter's trade for a number of years
and subsequently removed to Morrison, Illinois, where he passed
away in February, igoi. His widow, who has attained the age of
seventy-eight years, makes her home with her children.

Darwin Green is a republican and loyally supports the men and
measures of that party. From 1903 until 1911 he served as post-
master of Otho in a satisfactory and commendable manner. His re-
ligious faith is that of the Methodist church, while fraternally he is
identified with the .\ncient Order of United Workmen and the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He is popular both in business and
social life and gains the respect and confidence of all with whom he
comes into contact.

J. AUGUST LlXDQUISr.

J. August Lin<l(|uist is engaged in the men's clothing business in
Govvrie, of which he is one of the enterprising and successful busi-
ness men. He was born, March 6, 1858, and is a son of John and
Mary (Ahlstrand) Lindquist. natives of Sweden, where the father
died when the subject of this review was a child. The mother with
the surviving members of her family emigrated to America in June,
1865, and settled in Henry county, Illinois. She was later united in

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 99

marriage to an uncle of our subject. Her second husband is a veteran
of the Civil war and now resides in Dayton, Iowa. The mother died
in Henry county in 1873.

J. August Lindquist was reared in his mother's home and received
his early education in the public schools in Illinois. After his school
days he was engaged at work on a farm in Illinois until 1881. In
September, of that year, he took up work with his uncle, who was
engaged in the general mercantile business, and continued in that
occupation imtil 1889. He then obtained the position as cashier in
the Webster County State Bank and remained in that position for two
and one-half years, after which time he returned to the general mer-
chandising business of his uncle, with whom he remained for one year,
when the business was sold to Hoff Brothers. He remained with the
new firm for one year. In 1894 he established himself in the cloth-
ing business in Gowrie, to which he has since continued to devote his
attention. He operates his business under the firm name of Lind-
quist Brothers.

Mr. Lindquist was united in marriage in Gowrie, July 30, 1885,
to Miss Olivia Larson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Larson.
The father died in Henry county. To Mr. and Mrs. Lindquist three
children were born: Daisy, who is the wife of A. C. Norman, a car-
penter contractor of Gowrie, by whom she has one child, Ruth Norma ;
Ruth, a graduate of the high school, who is a music teacher and or-
ganist of the Lutheran church; and Carl G., who died in infancy. The
mother of this family died in 1895 and the father was married in
February, 1906, to Miss Adla Liljegren, a daughter of S. J. and Ma-
tilda (Bloomquist) Liljegren. The father was a Lutheran clergyman
and died at Kiron, Iowa. The mother now maintains her residence on
a farm in Lost Grove township. Mr. Lindquist by his second mar-
riage is the father of one son, Irving M., who was born September
24, 1908.

Mr. Lindquist is affiliated with the republican party and has taken
a laudable interest in matters of public importance. In 1900 he was
elected treasurer of Webster county and served in this office for four
years with ability, discharging his duties with circumspection and
promptness and looking after the finances of his county in just such
a manner as he would after his own interests. His record based upon
absolute integrity is well remembered and highly appreciated and must
be a source of gratification to him. He has held various local offices
in Gowrie and as member of the city council has become known as a
man who stands for progress and improvement, having in no incon-

100 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

siderable way contributed to the np-biiilding of his city and the wel-
fare of its people. Mr. and Mrs. Lindquist are members of the Swed-
ish Lutheran church. He is a man whose integrity in business af-
fairs has never been questioned and one wiiose high ideals of character
place him among the influential, desirable citizens of his city and
county.

JOHN D. FORTNEY.

John D. Fortiiey, a successful and esteemed citizen of Otho, is well
known in business circles as secretary, director and a stockholder of
the Otho Mercantile Company and also as bookkeeper for the Kalo
Brick & Tile Company. His birth occurred in Otho township, this
county, on the 19th of December, 1876, his parents being David and
Isabelle (Todd) Fortney, more extended mention of wliom is made
on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of George
\\'illiam Fortney. a lirother of our subject.

John D. Fortney obtained his early education in the schools of
Webster county and subsequently continued his studies in Ellsworth
College at Iowa Falls, while later he entered Tobin College of Fort
Dodge, Iowa. After leaving the latter institution, being well qualified
for the work as he had been reared in the atmosphere of mercantile
life, he went into the grain and live stock business in association with
his father, who conducted a general store, also. When his father
had sold out our subject became identified, in 1900, with the Great
Western Elevator Company at Otho, remaining in charge of that
business for five years. On the expiration of that period lie resigned
and took charge of a farmers' elevator at Moorland, which he man-
aged until the ist of February, 1908. He then accepted the position
of bookkeeper with the Kalo Brick & Tile Company and in that ca-
pacity has continued to the present time. He is also the secretary, a
stockholder and a director of the Otho Mercantile Company, which
concern owns a new and modern two-story brick building and car-
ries a comprehensive stock of goods. The second floor of the struc-
ture is used as an opera house. In association with his brother,
George William, John D. Fortney owns an interest in a farm in Hum-
boldt county.

On the 6th of March, 1901, Mr. Fortney was united in marriage to
Miss Elma Mclntire, a daughter of Elisha and Ann Mclntire, natives

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 101

of Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Fortney have been born two children,
as follows : ]\Iadge Lucile. whose birth occurred on the 30th of March,
1903, and who died on the 6th of September. 1906; and Isabelle
Maxine, whose natal day was March 16, 191 1.

John D. Fortney gives his allegiance to the republican party and is
now serving as trustee of Otho township, while formerly he acted as
township clerk for many years. He belongs to the local organization
of the Alodern Woodmen of America. A lifelong resident of Web-
ster countv. he has been closely associated with its interests for a num-
l)er of years and during that time has become widely known through-
out the community, his many excellent traits of character winning
him a circle of friends which is almost coextensive with the circle
of his acquaintances.

OLAF .MARTIX OLESON.

Ulaf Martin Oleson was born in Stod parish, Trondhjem
county, Norway, June 29, 1849, 'i'^ parents being Ole and Olava
(Brunstad) Five, who were natives of the same country. The
father was a schoolteacher for a number of years and at the same
time carried on farming. He was recognized as a public-spirited
citizen and capably tilled a number of public offices. Both he
and his wife passed away in 1881, he being then about ninety-two
vears of age. Their religious faith was that of the Lutheran
church and to its teachings they were ever loyal. In the family
were seven children, four sons and three daughters: Martha;
Lorense; Eilert ; Caroline; Ingebrigt, who died in America; Ole;
and Olaf. With the exception of the last named those still liv-
ing are all residents of Xorw ay.

O. M. Oleson was reared in llic land of the midnight sun and
there received a common-scboul education. His early experi-
ences were those of the farm boy but in his youth he made his
way to Christiania. tiie capital, where he secured employment
with a florist and l.indscapc gardener. Thinking that better op-
portunities would lie afffirdcd in the new world, he came to the
United States in 1870 and secured a position upon a farm near
Fort Dodge, being thus employed for two years. .\t the end of
that time he became connected with the drug trade and has

102 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

continuously engaged in that business to the present time. He
started in a small way but has built up a fine business. He grad-
uated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, in 1870.

Selling good goods at the right price has been the principal feature
in his success and as president of the Oleson Drug Company he
is at the head of one of the important mercantile enterprises of
the city. He is president of the Fort Dodge Telephone Company,
of the Fort Dodge Light & Power Company, also of the Oleson
Land Company, the Fort Dodge Hotel Company and the Iowa
Trust & Live Stock Company.

Mr. Oleson has been married twice. He first wedded Lucy
Deming, a daughter of John and Mariette (Belcher) Deming,
who came from the state of New Y'ork and lived in Webster
county for many years. Mrs. Oleson passed away in 1904. Mr.
Oleson was again married to Miss Julia Haskell, a native of
this city and a daughter of A. E. and Martha G. Haskell, who
were born in Connecticut but became early settlers of Fort
Dodge. Her father was connected with staging in the early
days both in Iowa and on the Pacific coast. Mrs. Oleson is a
member of the Congregational church, while Mr. Oleson still
belongs to St. Olaf's Lutheran church, of which he is treasurer.
In politics Mr. Oleson stands with the progressive element which
is seeking the betterment of political conditions and endeavoring
to thwart the use of the party for individual or corporation inter-
ests instead of promoting the welfare of the great majority. He
was elected state senator and he represented his district in the
upper house of the general assembly in 1892 and 1894.

JULIUS C. FALLON.

One of the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of Douglas
township is Julius C. Fallon, who owns a well improved farm on
section 9 in the cultivation of which he is meeting with success. He
is a native of Webster county, his birth having occurred in the town-
ship where he now resides on the 17th of August, 1870. His father
was John Fallon, a native of Ireland, who came to America with his
parents when a child of two years. The family located at Moore's
Village and there John Fallon was reared and educated and acquired
his early agricultural training. In 1866 he came to Iowa and pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Douglas township, this

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 10;-5

county. He immediately began cultivating his farm, meeting with
such success that he was later able to increase his holdings until at
one time he held the title to four hundred and eighty acres. He was
diligent and enterprising and the development of his property en-
gaged his undivided attention until his death, which occurred on the
9th of December, 1896. The mother of our subject, whose maiden
name was Mary Gannon, is a nati\'e of New York city. She is
seventy-two years of age and continues to make her home on the
farm, where she has resided since early womanhood.

Born and reared amid pioneer conditions, Julius C. Fallon passed
his early life very much as did the other youths living in the rural
sections of Iowa at that period. He attended the district school in
the acquirement of an education, and during his spare hours assisted
about the farm. At the age of twenty-two years he rented eighty
acres of land from his father and began farming for himself. His
training had been thorough and he was well qualified to begin his
independent career, as is evidenced by the capable and successful
manner in v^fhich he directed his undertakings. Six years later he
purchased a part of the old homestead, on which he has wrought
extensive improvements during the period of his ownership, making
it one of the most valuable properties in the district. Subsequently
he bought another eighty acres of the home place, but he sold this
tract to his brother-in-law.' Since he never married Mr. Fallon em-
ploys the services of a man and his wife, the former assisting about
the farm while the latter tlocs the housekeeping. He engages in
both diversified farming and stock-raising and is meeting with suc-
cess in both lines of activity, as he gives careful attention to details.
He annually markets about fifty hogs, raises such cattle as are
needed about the place and keeps twelve head of horses. His pro-
gressiveness is evidenced by the general appearance and condi-
tion of his property and stock, as well as by the many modern
conveniences and appliances which have been installed aI)out his
farm. I lis eciuipment comprises every machine or implement
deemed essential by the modern agriculturist, and he keeps a
touring car for his convenience and pleasure. Mr. Fallon is dili-
gent and enterprising and earnestly applies himself to anything
he undertakes with the firm conviction that he is going to make
a success of it, and this he invariably does. He takes great
])ri(le in his farm and is constantly making plans for its further im-
provement and development, and each year shows progress in tliis
direction. He likes his work and enjoys the hfe of a farmer, and

104 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

while he is fully aware of its disadvantages, feels that there are
compensations.

Despite the exactions of his business he has always devoted con-
siderable time to local political affairs, supporting the democratic
party. At the present time he is one of the county trustees, and is
discharging his official duties in a manner highly satisfactory to his
constituency and the community at large. He is a communicant of
the Roman Catholic church. Fraternally he is affiliated with the
Eagles, being a member of the lodge at F'ort Dodge. Mr. F""allon is
popular and has many friends, as he possesses the affable and genial
manner generally characteristic of the Celt, while in both business
and public affairs he manifests those cjualities which universally com-
mand respect.

P. T. FLYNN.

Varied and diversified business interests claim the attention of
P. T. Flynn, one of Webster county's enterprising citizens, who
for twelve years has been cashier of the Duncombe Savings Bank.
His birth occurred in Pleasant Valley township, this county, in
the month of August, 1870, his parents being Timothy and Emma
(Burke) Flynn, natives of Ireland. The father came to the
United States in 1849, fii'^t locating in Des IMoines. and to Weli-
ster county in 1855. Later he took up a homestead in Cherokee
county, industriously de\'oting himself to its further impro\'ement
until 1870. In the latter year he disposed of his interests there
and came to Webster county, continuing his agricultural pur-
suits in Pleasant Valley township until his death in 1876. The
mother had passed awa\' two years previouslw

Left an orphan at the tender age of six years. P. T. Flynn
was reared by his maternal grandmother, Airs. \\'iimifred Burke,
where he worked on the farm and labored in and around the
mines, attending the district school at such intervals when his
labor was not required at home. So diligently did he apply him-
self to study, both at school and during the long winter evenings
at home, that at the age of nineteen he was teaching school on a
first-grade certificate. With the money earned as a country
schoolteacher, he entered Highland Park College of Des Moines,
in September, 189T, from which institution he graduated in 1894.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 105

After graduation, he again devoted himself to teaching and news-
paper work, putting in some time as city editor of the Fort Dodge
Chronicle in 189O. In 1897, he entered Drake University, Des
Moines, spending a year in special work. In 1898 he went to
North Dakota, where he received a state certificate and taught
language, literature and higher mathematics in the graded
schools.

In 1900 he accepted the position of cashier in the Bank of Dun-
combe, now the Duncombe Savings Bank. This enterprise, which
is incorporated for twenty-live thousand dollars, is one of the
conservative and thriving banking institutions of \\'ebster county.
Peter Mallinger is president; B. J. Stack, vice president; P. T.
Flynn, cashier; and L. V. Miller and John Heffner, assistant
cashiers. They are all reputable men. of recognized business
ability and high standards of integrity, who enjoy the confidence
of the community by reason of their upright principles. Mr.
I'lynn also engages in the real-estate business, in which he has
met with a good measure of success, ha\ing acquired title to about
one thousand two hundred acres of rich farming land around Dun-
combe, besides valuable city property both in Duncombe and
Fort Dodge. He is one of the shareholders in the Duncombe
Cement Tile Company, and owns a one-third interest in the
Duncombe Auto Company, which maintains garages both in
Duncombe and Fort Dodge, Peter Mallinger and James Toohey
being the other members of the firm.

In June, 1899, Mr. F'lynn was united in marriage to Miss Agnes
Latta, a daughter of Johnson and Elizabeth (O'Neil) Latta. To
Mr. and Mrs. IHynn have been born the following children:
Dorothy, who has entered her thirteenth year; Pauline, who is
ten years of age; Carl, who has passed his eighth Inrthday; May,
who has celebrated the fifth anniversary of her birth; and John
and Ivathleen, twins, who are two years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Flynn are communicants of the Roman Catholic
church, and fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Co-
lumbusf the Benevolent Protective Order of I-llks and the Yeo-
men. Despite the exactions of his extensive private interests,
Mr. Flynn finds time to fulfill his civic duties, giving his political
support to the democratic parly, and is now representing his
ward in the town council. His business career has progressed
in the orderly manner characteristic of the man of definite pur-
pose, his carefully considered ])lans and capably concentrated

106 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

powers having been directed toward a single achievement at a
time. Both as a business man and citizen he has manifested those
quahties which highly merit the respect and esteem he is accorded
by his fellow citizens, many of whom are stanch friends of long
years' standing.

CHARLES ARENT.

Charles Arent was numbered among the farmers of Webster
county whose progressive and intelligent labors are forces in local
agricultural development. He cultivated a line farm of three hun-
dred acres in Badger township and by energy, industry and efficiency
made it a model enterprise of its kind. He is now living retired in
Badger, where he has just completed a beautiful modern home. Mr.
Arent was born in Norway, September 20, 1853, and is a son of
Frederick and Able (Arent) Arent, natives of that country. The
father farmed in Norway all his life and his death occurred there in
March, i860. Two years later his wife with her three sons and
two daughters came to America, settling in La Salle county, Illinois.
She died on March 24, iiS84, in De Kalb county, Illinois, whither
she had come with her family in 1868.

Charles Arent completed an education begun in the schools of
Norway in Illinois. He came to America with his mother when
he was eight years of age and remained in La Salle county until
1868. He had farmed independently for four years in Illinois
and on coming to Iowa, in 1880, purchased one hundred and sixty
acres in Badger township, which he developed and improved for
a short time, selling it later in order to purchase eighty acres in
the same section, which he improved along progressive lines.
He constantly added to his property until at the time of his
retirement he was the owner of three hundred acres, constituting
a valuable and well equipped farm. This he was successful in
operating until the spring of 1912, when he moved to Badger,
where he is now living in his new residence. He is well known
in the village and has many friends who honor him for his upright
character and straightforward manners.

On September 17, 1892, Mr. Arent was united in marriage to Miss
Maggie Danielson, a daughter of Ole and Mary (Nelson) Danielson,

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COL'NTV 107

natives of Norway. Thev came to the United States in 1866, settling
in La Salle connty, Illinois, whence they later moved to Livingston
county, that state. After a period of residence in that section they
came to \^'ebster county, Iowa, where the father ])urchased a tract
of land which he has imjiroved and. operated since that time.

Mr. Arent is acti\ely interested in the growth and development
of the village in which he li\-es and is a stockholder in various local
enterprises, among them the Farmers Elevator Company and the
Badger Telephone Company. Politically he affiliates with the Roose-
velt progressive party, being a stanch admirer of Mr. Roosevelt and
a believer in the principles for which he stands. He belongs to the
Lutheran church. He has earned by diligent and useful labor the
rest which he is now enjoying, ha\ing made his active life valuable
in an individual and in a public way by keeping his business methods
U])right and honorable and by adhering to high standards of citizen.ship.

WILLIAM E. HAVILAXD.

William E. Haviland, who is now living retired, has extensive
property and financial interests in Webster county. He was born in
Illinois, June 16, 1846, a son of John P. and Cynthia (Pepper)
Haviland, both of whom were natives of Dutchess county. New
York. The father removed to Illinois at an early date and settled in
Dupage county, thirty-five miles from Chicago. He purchased an
eighty acre tract of land, which he cultivated until \H(iz,. During
that time he made many improvements and brought it to a in'gh
state of productivity, later disposing of it at a good price. He came
to Webster county, Iowa, in 1865, and purchased one hundred and
seventy-fi\'c acres which he immediately began tn im])ri)vc. His
death occurred on the 28th of February, 1880, and the mother i)assed
away on the 2d of July, 1889.

William E. Haviland was a pupil in the common schools of
Illinois until he laid aside his text books to a.ssist his father in his
agricultural pursuits (jn the hume farm. He came to Iowa with his
])arents when he was about twenty years of age and remained with
them until their deaths. William E. being an only child, the father,
shortly before his death, deeded to him the home farm.

Mr. Haviland has been twice married. On tiie 14th of July, 1868,
he was wedded to Miss Catherine E. McMellan. a daughter of Dr.

108 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

McMellan of Elmira, New York. Dr. McMellan was practicing medi-
cine in Elmira until his death, while his wife's death had occurred
many years previous. To Mr. and Mrs. Haviland one cliild was
born, Nora E., who is an osteopathic physician in Grand Junction,
Colorado, and the wife of R. D. Moore, also an osteopath. Mrs.
Haviland's death occurred February i6. 1889. On the 25th of
December. i8gi, ^Ir. Haviland was again married, this union being
with Amelia A. Haviland. a daughter of J- B. and Saba (LaDue)
Haviland. natives of New York state. The father came to Webster
county in the early '503, and entered government land which he im-
prox'ed and operated until his death, in 1899. The mother passed away
in 1894.

Mr. Haviland gives his pohcical support t<i the republican party,
to which he has always been loyal. He has served the town efficiently
as township clerk, township trustee and assessor, and is at present
treasurer of the Cooper township school board. He lakes an active
interest in religious affairs and is an ardent worker in church work.
He holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Although he is living practically retired at present, he still takes a
deep interest in his farms. He also owns a farm near Huron, South
Dakota, and one in Wisconsin. He is a stockholder in the Corn Belt
Meat Producers Association, a packing company of Fort Dodge,
and also a director in the I'armers Mutual Insurance Association and
vice president of the Commercial National Bank of Fort Dodge.
Because of the \ariety of his interests he is well known throughout
the county, and his straightforwardness and enterprising s])irit have
won him the respect of the entire comnnmity.

JOHN I. RUTLEDGE.

Iowa's greatness and prosperity is in a large measure due to its
agricultural resources and development. The men who have given
their energy and strength to improving the soil are responsible for
present prosperous conditions. Many of the state's most fertile tracts
are located in Webster county and have been brduglu to a high state
of productivity through the activities of men who have spent their
entire careers in agricultural pursuits. Among these is John I. Rut-
ledge, who owns four hundred and ninety-six acres of valuable land
in Cooper township. His birth occurred in Canada, .\ugust 11, 1853,

HISTORY OF WEIJSTER COLW TV 109

his parents being Crozier and Isabelle ( Rayburn) Rutledge. The
father is of Scotcli-Irish descent and the mother of Canadian birth.
Crozier Rutledge came to this country with his parents and located
in Canada, where lie acquired Iiis education. As soon as he l)ecame
old enough to start upon an independent career he engaged in the
mercantile bu.siness at Charleston, Canada, and continued there until
he readied the age of forty-three years, in wiiich year he was acci-
dentally killed wiiile riding to Toronto, forty miles distant, to purchase
goods. The mother passed away fifty years later.

John I. Rutledge was reared and educated in Canada. He remained
at home with his mother until 1873, when he was twenty years of age.
At that time he came to Illinois and took charge of a farm for three
years before lie returned to Canada fur a year's \isit. In the autumn
of 1877 he came to Iowa and located at Fort Dtxlge. where he
remained until he removed to Humboldt county and purchased one
ciuarter section of land. For two years he was engaged in ini])roving
and cultivating this proj^erty. Init at the end of that time rented it
and went to O'lirien county, where for three years he had charge of
a five thousand acre farm for F'allin Brothers. He then returned to
Fort Dodge, where he was married, and moved to his farm in Hum-
boldt county. .\ year later. liowe\'er, he sold that farm and came
to Fort Dodge and rented his father-in-law's farm. Vuv twenty-two
vears be was engaged in cultixating this propertv and during that
time brought it under high cultivation and proved himself an agri-
culturist of unusual worth. His determination to succeed, his unre-
mitting energy and persistency were the salient cliaracteristics in
bringing about his remarkaljle success. In 1907 he ])urcliased four
hundred and ninety-si.x acres of land in Cooper township, and is still
engaged in operating this farm. He has improved the property to
such an extent that at present he has one of the finest farms in the
county, provided with all modern equipments. In addition to general
farming he has engaged in dairying and stock-raising, specializing in
the lietter grades of stock. He has at jjresent eighty head of cattle
and raises from one hundred to two humlrcd bead of hogs jier year.
He keeps about thirty horses.

In \])ril. 1884, Mr. Rutledge was married to Miss Carrie C. Coffin,
a daughter of Lorenzo S. and Mary (Cha.se) Coffin. The father
was a native of Xew Hampshire and the mother of New York state.
The father came to Iowa in 1855 and took up a claim. F'rom time to
time he increased his holdings and he now owns se\en liundre<! and
twenty acres. He is at present eighty-nine years of age. The mother

110 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

died in January, 1906. To Mr. and ^Irs. Rutledge seven children
have been born: Inina: C, who is engaged in the dairying business;
Isabelle M., who is teaching in the high school at Humboldt, Iowa;
Rayburn S., who is attending Ames College; Catherine S., who is a
student in the College at Grinnell ; Helen Chase, attending high school
at Fort Dodge; and Ruth L., and Cora Elizabeth, both in school in
Fort Dodge.

In politics Mr. Rutledge affiliates with the republican party. In
religious faith he and the members of his family are Congrega-
tionalists. The material welfare of the community has always been
of prime importance to him. He is one of the present trustees of
Cooper township, and for ten years was trustee of Douglas township.
The position he now holds as one of Webster county's most prominent
agriculturists, has been won by industry, perseverance and patience,
and comes as a just reward for the hardships he endured in earlier life.

JAMES BASS.

Among the residents of Dayton who came to Webster county
when it was a frontier district and substantially contributed
toward the upbuilding and development of the community is
James Bass, who owns over eight lumclred acres of land in Veil
and Dayton townships, much of which he bought directly from
the government, in addition to some valuable Dayton property.
He was born in North Carolina, April 27. 1832, and is a son of
Edward and Mary (Saffley) Bass. He is of English and Irish
extraction and represents the third generation of his family in
America, his paternal grandfather being a veteran of the Revolu-
tionary war and having participated in the battle of Bunker Hill.
In 1835 Edward Bass removed with his family to Indiana and en-
gaged in farming. Twenty years later he came to Iowa, purchas-
ing two hundred and forty acres of land in Boone county, to which
he subsequently added another twenty acres of timber land.
There both he and the mother passed the remainder of their lives,
his death occurring on the 3d of February, 1883, at the venerable
age of ninety-four years, "his natal day having been the 17th of
January, 1789. The mother survived him for three years, pass-
ing away July 15, 1886.

■m^^ '^OaAJ

<yPtr<)/a'ni-fvj yj<fd<i

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 115

James Bass, who was a child of three years when his parents
left North Carolina, was reared to manhood in Owen county,
Indiana. In the acquirement of his education he attended the sub-
scription schools of that state until he was fourteen when he laid
aside his text-books and began assisting his father with the work
of the farm. He remained at home until he attained his majority,
then started out to make his own way in the world. In the fall
of 1S52, he came to Iowa, settling in Webster county. As he had
never learned a trade, he went to work as a farm hand, being
unfamiliar with any other occupation. Although he received
meager wages, he was thrifty and temperate in his habits and
soon accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to buy eighty
acres of government land, for which he paid from a dollar and a
quarter to a dollar and a half per acre. It was located seven miles
northeast of Dayton in Yell township and has ever since been in
possession of Mr. Bass and is known as the old homestead. He
energetically applied himself to putting this under cultivation,
meeting with such lucrati\e returns from his farming that he was
able from time to time to increase his holdings until he now owns
eight hundred acres of farming land, which he is renting. He re-
sided on his homestead until March, i86g. when he withdrew
from the active work of the fields and removed to Dayton. He
has ever since made this city his home and owns a very pleasant
residence on Main street, where he is living.

Mr. Bass was married in 1857 to Miss Cassie Halloway, who
was born in North Carolina on the 24th of ^larch, 1S37, and died
in Dayton on the 3d of February, 1901. Her parents were also
natives of North Carolina, and there the mother passed away
many years ago. The father subsequently came to Webster
county and made his home with our subject until just before the
Civil war when he was married again. He died in February,
1881, and is buried in the Beem cemetery, near Lehigh, this
county. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bass. Mary
Jane, the widow of Taylor Scott, who lives at Gowrie, this county,
has seven children: Hubert, Nellie, Grace, Clifton, Cassie, Wilson
and Leo. Rachel A. married Charles C. Miller, a schoolteacher
of New Mexico. Addie, the wife of Thomas Bragg, a farmer
south of Gowrie. has five children. Sherman, who conducts a
pool and billiard hall in Dayton, married Julia Cascbolt and they
have three children: Orville. Efifie and Fay. Grant, who works
in a cafe at Boone. Towa. married Cora Guthrie and they have

Vol. II— 7

116 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

three children : Halsey, Sylvia and Maxine. Miles, a rural mail
carrier, married Jennie Nelson and they also have three children :
Raymond, Marie and Mildred. Mina, the wife of Will Nichols, a
traveling salesman of New Mexico, has two children, Velma and
an infant. Elsie, who married Fred C. Esch, a clerk of Wyoming,
has one child, Dorothy Adeline. Ella married Dr. L. E. Estick
of Rockwell City, Iowa, and they have one child, Lewis Howard.
On the 1st of March, 1906, Mr. Bass married Mrs. Anna Butler, a
native of Canada and a daughter of John and Caroline Eliza (Bry-
ant) Gates. The father, who was of Dutch extraction, was born
in Kingston, Canada, and the mother in Ogdensburg, New Y'ork.
He was a son of John Gates, who homesteaded one hundred acres
of land, where the Kingston Market now stands in Ontario,
Canada. When the War of 1812 broke out he went to the front
and is supposed to have been killed at the Battle of the Windmill,
at Prescott, Ontario, as he was never heard from afterward.
His son, John Gates, the father of Airs. Bass, was one of the
successful agriculturists of Kingston, Ontario, and acquired one
thousand acres of valuable land in Frontenac county, upon which
the youngest son, George Gates, is now residing. Mrs. Bass in-
herited two hundred acres of land from her father, which is now
rented to her eldest son, George Henry Ayerst. ]\lr. Gates
passed away in Canada in 1889, and the mother, who was of Irish
and American descent, came to Iowa and made her home with
her son James Gates at Boone, until her death in 1901. Mrs. Bass
was first married in 1861 to Francis Ayerst. of England. He died
in Canada twenty-five years ago and she later became the wife of
Charles Butler, a veteran of the Ci\il war and a native of the
state of New York, where he likewise died. In 1904, she located
in Boone, Iowa, and there she was married two years later to Mr.
Bass.

Mr. Bass, who has been a resident of Iowa for sixty years, has
many interesting reminiscences to relate of the pioneer days.
After the Indian massacre at Spirit Lake, there was a rumor of an
uprising among the natives in this section and three hundred men,
of whom Mr. Bass was one, under command of Johnson McFar-
land and Joseph Thrift responded to the call to defend the set-
tlers. They marched from Boonesboro to Webster City but as
their services were not required they disbanded and returned
home. In 1863, he again volunteered to fight the Indians under
Captain Williams of Fort Dodge and went to Chain Lake to

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 117

assist in constructing barracks for the protection of the settlers.
Six months later they marched back to Fort Dodge and dis-
banded. On the J 8th of Xovember, 1864, he enlisted at Fort
Dodge in Company K, Sixteenth Iowa \'olunteer Infantry under
Captain Slattman. Their regiment was ordered to report at
Nashville, and there his company was detached and placed in the
One Hundredth and Thirty-second New York Infantry. He had
his first experience in battle at Fort Xegley, and from there they
moved on Fort Lookout, and tlien ])artici]iated in the battles of
Kingston and Goldsboro, North Carolina. At the latter point his
company rejoined their old regiment, and passing under General
Sherman's command marched to Raleigh. They were stationed
there for two weeks before Johnson surrendered. Following this
they had a two days review at that point, going from there to
Washington, D. C, to participate in the grand review. His regi-
ment was then ordered to report at Louisville, Kentucky, where
they were stationed until July 9, 1865, when they were discharged.
Air. Bass votes the democratic ticket and served as trustee in
Yell township for several terms and was a school director there
for many years. He is a member of Captain Dow-d Post, No. 329.
G. A. R., of Dayton and Airs. Bass belongs to the Women's Relief
Corps and the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Bass who has
attained the venerable age of eighty years, has the distinction of
never having made a deed or given a mortgage and still owns
every piece of property he ever purchased. Mr. Bass still enjoys
the best of health and is well and vigorous and has remarkal)Ie
eyesight. He takes great satisfaction in his achievements as he
began life in early manhood without any capital, and by his owmi
industry, perseverance and capable management acquired a com-
petence that has long enabled him to live in retirement, and still
enjoy all comforts of life.

SILAS M. DEAN.

The career of Silas .M. Dean is the record of an intelligent and
useful life spent in business fields of activity and always actuated by
high standards of personal honor and business integrity. He is now
engaged in the grocery business in Fort Dodge, Iowa, antl his pro-
gressive methods and well tested integrity have won him a gratifying

118 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

degree of success. He was born in Clay county, Iowa, June 14,
1875, and is a son of Walter and Jane (Roberts) Dean. His father
was born in North Carolina and came to Clay county about 1868.
He was for many years one of the progressive and representative
agriculturists of that region and he operated the farm, which he
bought upon his arrival, until 1897. In that year he retired from
active life and removed to Peterson, Iowa, where he now resides.
He is a judicious and discriminating man and has added to these
qualities a special knowledge of farm values, which has resulted in
acquiring a competency. His investments are principally in Iowa
land, and he gives his entire attention to the management of his
holdings. Mr. and Airs. \\'alter Dean reside in Peterson, Iowa.

The country schools of Clay county afforded Silas M. Dean his
early educational privileges. He pursued his studies until he was
twelve years old and then left home, removing to Jasper county, where
he engaged in various activities, such as were obtainable for a lad
of his years until he was fifteen years of age. In 1890 he came to
Fort Dodge and worked in the emplo\- of various concerns in this
city until he was twenty-three years of age. He constantly realized
the fact that he was hampered by too short an education and as soon
as he was able, entered the Capital City Commercial College at
Des Moines and by wise improvement of every opportunity soon won
an efificient knowledge of business. When he was twenty-three j^ears
of age Mr. Dean enlisted in Company G, of the Fifty-second Iowa
Volunteer Infantry, and served for three months. He was stationed
at Chickamauga Park, where he became thoroughly conversant with
the details of military order and the various army tactics. His
regiment returned to Des Moines and spent one month in that city
before they were mustered out, Octol)er 30, 1898- Air. Dean remained
in Des Moines and obtained employment under a Mr. Thomas in the
milk business. He followed this line of acti\ity for si.x years and by
strict economy was enabled to rent Mr Thomas' farm at the end of
that period. He carried on the enterprise along progressive and
sanitary lines for five years and was successful to a gratifying extent
In 1909 he returned to Fort Dodge and established a grocerv and milk
business independently and has been active and successful in its opera-
tion ever since. He has gradually branched out into other fields of
activity and has become known in Fort Dodge as a representative
business man. In September. 191 1, he purchased the stock of the
Fort Dodge Coke & Coal Company and this concern owes its present
flourishing condition to his efficient management.

HISTORY OF WEI'.STER COUXTY 119

On July 6, 1903, jNIr. Dean was united in marriage to Mrs. Maude
(Bennett) DeLano, a daughter of Thomas and Mar/ (Hemdle)
Bennett. The mother was born in Germany but came to America at
an early date. The father was a native of Canada and in 1869 came
to Webster county, wliere he operated a farm until 1891. In that
year he retired and moved to Fort Dodge, where he resided until his
death in 1897. His wife is still living and makes her home with her
son-in-law, the subject of this review, and is now seventy-nine years
of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Dean has been born one child, Walter
Judson. Mr. Dean also has two step-children, Charlotte Marie and
Allen Thomas. Mrs. Dean passed away on December 23, 1910, after
a three years" ilness and her death deprived Fort Dodge of a charming
and hospitable woman and her family of a devoted wife and mother.

Mr. Dean gives his political support to the republican party. He
is prominent in the .\ncient Order of United Workmen and in the
Veterans of the Spanish \\'ar. He is a devout adherent of the Baptist
church and with this faith his children also atfiliate. He is highly
esteemed by his fellow citizens and enjoys the resi>ect of his many
friends and acquaintances by reason of a well deserved business success
and his clean, honorable, pri\-ate life.

EDWTX V. BROWN.

The death <<i Edwin \'. Hmwn on June 17. 1906, deprived many
residents of l-'ort Dodge of a genial, kindly and loyal friend and the
business circles of the city of a conspicuously able representative.
Mr. Brown was for many years prominently identified with the
retail tobacco trade, carrying on his business on the site where the
First National Bank of Fort Dodge is now located. He was born in
Oswego, New ^'o^k. July 17, .1838, and was a son of Cliester and
Mar>' (Cook) Brown, both natives of New York, of German lineage.
The father lived and died in his native state and was one of its suc-
cessful farmers. He died Se])tember 17, 1899, having survived his
wife by nine years, her death occurring. .November 10, 1890.

Edwin V. Brown spent his early youth in New York state and was
educated in its public .schools. He early heard the call of the sea and
when he laid aside his books shipped on a whaling vessel, plying the
waters around the northern part of .America and off the eastern
coast for two yearsy during which period he never caught sight of

120 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

land. He followed the sea for six years, but eventually abandoned
this occupation to make his home in Minnesota. He intended to
purchase land in that state and follow agricultural pursuits but was
unsuccessful in finding a fami just as he wanted it and returned to
New York. In the early "eos he went to Calhoun county, Iowa, and
bought land which he proved and operated for two years. He there
gained a thorough knowledge of modem agriculture and was success-
ful as a farmer. He abandoned farm life, however, after two years
of activity in this line and came to Fort Dodge to accept a position
as traveling salesman for the Inilton Implement Company. Success
attended his commercial efforts and for four years he was a valued
and energetic representative for his employers. When he severed his
connection with the Fulton Implement Company he went to Minne-
apolis to enter the employ of Hooker & Manley. wholesale cigar
dealers in that city. It was here that he first found an occupation
entirely suited to his talents and tastes and his activities in the whole-
sale branch of the cigar inisiness gave a definite vent to his ambitions.
He applied himself to learning the details connected with the selling
and buying end of the business and became familiar with the different
grades of the product and was soon recognized as an expert in his
chosen field of activity. He remained with Hooker & Manley until
1885 and then returned to Fort Dodge to enter into business for
himself. He established his store, which contained wholesale and
retail departments, upon the site where the First National Bank is
now located and here for many years he conducted one of the most
flourishing and prosperous enterprises in this line in the city. His
ambition and energy coupled with thorough and definite knowledge
made his rise in the business world rapid and his hoiioral)le methods
and strict integrity soon gained him many patrons. Eventually he
was enabled to retire. He conducted his enterprise until 1902 and
in that year closed his store and started upon an extended tour of
the southern states. The poor condition of his health was an influen-
tial factor in his determination to retire from business. He was a
sufferer from asthma and his southern journey although it benefited
him generallv had no lasting effect upon his health. He returned to
Fort Dodge and made this city his home until his death on Jnne 17,
1906, in his sixty-eighth year. His passing was widely and genuinely
regretted by his many friends in the city and it deprived the business
interests of Fort Dodge of a shrewd and discriminating man. He
was well known throughout the city as an exemplary and thoroughly
honest citizen and the place which he left in social and commercial
circles will be difficult to fill.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 121

On Xovember 26, 1871, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Barr, a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Stewart) Barr, both
natives of Ohio. The father left the latter state at an earlj' date and
made his home in Minnesota, where he engaged in blacksmithing
until tile outbreak of the Civil war. In 1S61 he enlisted in Company
A, Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served during the entire
four years with honor and distinction. He was wounded in the right
arm and never afterward regained the full use of that member.
After the surrender of the Confederacy he returned to Minnesota and
thereafter followed the occupation of a veterinary surgeon until his
death, which occurred in March, 1907, when he had attained the age
of ninety-one years. His wife's death had long since preceeded his
and occurred in April. 1877. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born
two children: lulwin \'.. Jr. now in the thirty-ninth year of his age,
who is employed by the Bythe Brick & Tile Company of Fort Dodge;
and J. S.. whose birth occurred on July 17, 1875. ^^''S- Brown and
her two sons reside at Xo. 806 First Avenue in a comfortable and
commodious home which Mr. Brown purchased before his death.

Politically Air. Brown was a stanch republican and actively inter-
ested in the affairs of his community although he never held nor
sought public office. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and
to this faith his wife gives her allegiance. He was prominent in the
Masonic order, having been initiated in Ashlar Lodge on July 16,
1869. He attained a prominent position in the deliberations of that
body during his life and was active in the affairs of the organization
for many years. His life had a distinct influence upon the com-
inercial progress of Fort Dodge. He had that talent for organization
and management which is a necessary factor in development and
upbuilding. He set for himself a high standard of business honor
and he never deviated from his code. He made his life upright,
worthv and genuinely useful and his death marked the passing of a
valued and respected citizen and a thoroughly honest man.

lOIi.X W. Ki.Ml'.

Dr. John W. Kime. who in his practice is specializing in ihc treat-
ment of tuberculosis, occupies a prominent place among those who
liave in recent years given their attention to this I)ranch of practice,
doing a uurk which is of untoldbenefit. Dr. Kime was I)c>rn in Siiclby

122 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

county. Iowa, October, 1855, a son of Abraham and ^lary ( Baugh-
man) Kime, both of whom were natives of Indiana. The father
removed to Shelby county in 1852 and immediately entered land.
Until the war broke out he was engaged in culti\-ating and improving
this property. He enlisted in Company I, Twenty-ninth Iowa Volun-
teer Infantry and served until the spring of 1863, when his death
occurred as a result of black measles. After her husband's death
the mother continued in the operation of the farm throughout the
remainder of her life. She passed away in 1890.

Dr. Kime was reared at home and his early education was acipiired
in the puljlic schools of Shelby county. His training was supple-
mented by a course of study at the State University at Iowa City,
which institution he entered when he was eighteen years of age. He
took a general college course and subsequently took up the study of
medicine, graduating with the class of 1883. He afterward opened
an office in Angus, Iowa, where he remained for one year before
coming to Fort Dodge in 1884. He at once engaged in the general
practice of medicine and is at present one of the most prominent
physicians of this city. Realizing that tMs is an age of specialization
and that the greatest good can be done by perfecting one's self in a
particular line, he has made a special study of tuberculosis and at
present is conducting a hospital on the north side of the city for the
treatment of those afflicted with that disease. Close study and per-
sonal investigation have gained him broad knowledge and made him
most efficient in his chosen field of lalx)r. He has served as state
lecturer on tuberculosis for the last three years. He holds member-
ship in the Iowa State Medical Association, the National Tuberculosis
Association and the Webster County Metlical Association. He
utilizes every means at hand to adx-ance and promote his efficiency.
His labors have been of a valuai)le character, and in all his professional
practice he works toward high ideals.

In August, 1884, Dr. Kime was married to Miss Sara Paugburn.
a daughter of \\'illiam and Sabina Paugburn, natives of New York
state. Mrs. Kime ably assists the Doctor in his professional work, as
she herself has studied medicine and is a graduate physician. At
an early date the father removed to Fayette county, Iowa, and was
one of the pioneer settlers of that district. He entered land which
he culti\ated until 1909, when he gave up agricultural pursuits and
removed to Fort Dodge. His deati: occurred in this city in 191 1.
The mother passed away in 19 10. To Dr. and ^Irs. Kime two
children ha\e been born : ]\Iarion, who is sixteen years of age ; and

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 123

Isabelle. aged nine. The family is affiliated with the Presbyterian
church and Dr. Kime gives his political support to the republican
party. He has served on the city council for two j'ears. He takes
an active interest in everything that pertains to the welfare, growth
and progress of the city.

NICHOLAS J. WAGNER.

For more than sixteen years Nicholas J. Wagner has been success-
fully identifietl with the mercantile interests of Duncomljc. being
numbered among the substantial l>usiiiess men of the town. He was
born on the loth of May, 187 1. in Hamilton county, this state, and is
a son of John and Angelica ( Chrisman ) Wagner, natives of Germany.
The father when a young man of twenty-three years emigrated to
the United States with his parents, who located at Aurora, Illinois.
There he found employment in the shops nf the Chicago, Burlington
& Ouincy Railroad, continuing in their service until 1868. In the
latter year he resigned his position and came to Iowa, and purchasing
a hundred and sixty acres of land in Hamilton county turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits. He possessed the diligence and
thrift characteristic of his nationality, and in the development of his
interests met with such gratifying returns that he was able to add
to his holdings from time to time until at one time they aggregated
four hundred and forty acres. Ha\-ing accumulated a competence
that warranted his retirement, he left his farm in iSi/i and remm-ed
to Duncombe, where he passed away in January, 1906, at the age of
sixty-eight years. The mother, who has passed the se\'cnty-fiinrlh
anniversary of her birth still resides in Duncombe.

There was no particular occurrence in the life of Nicholas J.
\\'agner to distinguish his boyhood .-nid _\<iutli from that of other
farmer lads of that period. His time was largely diviiled between the
work of the school-room and that of the fields. His education was
obtained in the public schools of Eagle Grove and Webster City,
following which he gave his undixideil attention to the work of the
home farm. Preferring a commercial to an agricultural career, he
left the parental roof at the age of twenty-five years, and came to
Duncombe. Here lie subseciuently formed a partnership with J. J.
Clausen, with whom he was associated off and on for ten years.
Later he bought the interest of Mr. Clausen in the enterprise and has

124 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

ever since conducted the business with the exception of three years,
when lie resumed farming. He has prospered in his undertakings
and owns stock in the Duncombe Savings Bank and one of the
vahiable residence properties of the town. He also holds the title to
a farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Hamilton county and one
of eighty acres located on section 3. Washington township, this county.

On April 2-;„ 1898. Mr. Wagner married ^Miss Katie Bailey, a
daughter of Francis and Ellen (Casey) Bailey, natives of Ireland.
Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wagner, in the following
order : Anna, who has passed the thirteenth anniversary of her birth ;
John Francis, who is eleven years of age; Kathleen, who is anticipat-_
ing her tenth birthday; Harold, who is six years of age; Bernice,
whose death occurred in 1909 at the age of eighteen months; and one
who died in infancy.

The parents are communicants of the Roman Catholic church, in
the faith of which denomination they are rearing their family. Fra-
ternally IMr. Wagner is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, and
the Modern Woodmen of America. He votes the democratic ticket
and is now and has been for some years a member of the board of
trustees of \\'ashington township. He has also served on tlie town
council and is a member of the school board of Duncombe. He is
a man of positive purpose and definite ideas, who stands for progress
in either public or private life, supporting by his energy and enthusiasm
every movement he feels will advance the welfare of the community
or promote its development.

PERRY GRUX'ER.

Tlie life record of I'erry Gruver is a record of a struggle against
constantly increasing obstacles, through difficulties and hardships, to
final success. He was aided in his Ijattle by energy and industry,
a firm purpose and a determination to conquer. He has now achieved
his ambition and is one of the most prosperous and respected farmers
in Webster county, Iowa. He was bom near Ozark, Illinois, March
15, 1839, and is a son of Abraham and Anna (Bluhbaker) Gruver.
His father was born near Philadelphia in 1800 and received his early
education in that state. He later removed to Kendall county. Illinois,
and remained there until 1845 when he went to Clinton county.
Iowa, where he died in 1866. He was a miner and worked at his

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUXTY 125

occupation in Iowa and Illinois for some time and later followed the
occupation of lumliering;. He was a stanch democrat and a member
of the Christian church. His wife also was born in Fhiladcl])hia and
was married there. She came with her husband first to Illinois and
then to Iowa and died in Clinton in 1862. She was also a devout
adherent of the Christian church. They were the parents of the fol-
lowing children : Rosetta and Lydia, both of whom are deceased ;
Isaac, deceased, who served three years in Company I, Twenty-sixth
Iowa Regiment during the Ci\il war, taking part in twenty-five en-
gagements without being wounded once; Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph
Upergraft of Monmouth, Jackson county, Iowa; Marion, who served
for one year in the Sixth Regiment, Iowa Yolunteer Infantr}', and is
now living in Des Moines; Julia, the wife of Frank Burdick of Fort
Dodge, Iowa; ]M. Gruver; and Haley, the wife of James Wood, de-
ceased.

Perry Gruver received his early education in the public schools of
Clinton, Iowa, and remained at home with his parents until he was
twenty-one years of age. When he had attained his niajurity he
rentetl a tract of land in Clinton count}- and farmed u]K)n it for three
years. .\t the end of that time he removed to Greene county, Iowa,
where he purchased forty acres of farm land just south of the town
of Lohrxille. For two years he cultivated his holdings in this section
and made many impro\'ements. Subsequently, in 1870 he purchased
land in Clinton county and lived upon his farm there for two years.
He then returned to Greene county and farmed near Cedar Creek for
two years. At the expiration of that period he aliandoned farming and
went to Lehigh, Iowa, as an employe in the lilack Diamond coal
mines. He spent one winter in this occupation and then remo\ed to
Gowrie, where he worked on a section of the railroad during the
summer. Leaving his family established in Gowrie Mr. Ciruver
determined to try his fortunes as a trapper. He located his head-
quarters at Sibley, Osceola count}-, Iowa, and trajjped in thai section
of the country for a few months. He had a short time pre\ ious to
this by strict economy and hard saving, amassed a sniall amount of
money with which he had purchased land in Webster county. He
then removed to his holdings in that section and in a.ssociation with
his brother-in-law-, Gus A. Gurney, built a small house upon this land,
which is still owned by our subject and occupied by his son. Isaac.
His land in Webster county is located on section 35, Roland township.
Here ^Ir. Gruver and Mr. Gurney lived for two years engaged in
general farming and making many \aluable improvements. The farm

126 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

was profitable and Mr. Gruver was soon able to purchase eighty
acres directly north of his first tract of land. He lived in the small
house which he built upon the new land about three years and then
sold his entire holdings. Forty acres were purchased by outsiders
and the other forty became the property of ^Ir. Gurney. Perry
Gru\er then mo\'ed back to the little house, which he had built when
he came to Webster county and remained there for one year. His
success at this time was not remarkable and he soon gave up the
land w'hich he was operating and the year following removed
to Emmetsburg, Palo Alto county, Iowa. Here he remained for
six years following agricultural pursuits and meeting with a little
more success than had attended his early efforts. When he was
financially able he came back to Roland township and purchased
eighty acres on section 29, which he improved and operated for
ten years, gradually bringing it to a high state of productivity.
Eventually he traded this to Mr. Gurney and received in ex-
change his present farm located on section 35. At the time this
transaction was completed there was on the land which ]\Ir.
Gruver received a small house. This he entirely remodeled,
installed modern and sanitary equipment and he now makes it
his home. During the past few years Mr. Gruver has added ma-
terially to his holdings and his success has been rapid. He
bought out the holdings of the heirs of his former partner, Gus
A. Gurney, and is now the proprietor of one hundred and twenty-
four acres of the most fertile land in Roland township. He is
constantly improving his farm and has erected new buildings and
outhouses as well as sheds and fences. He carries on agriculture
along modern and progressive lines and is kecnlv interested in
every new development in farm machinerv.

In 1862 Mr. Gruver was united in marriage to Miss Emma P.
Gurney. She was born in Saxony, Germany, and is a daughter
of Godfried and Hannah Rosetta (Wingler) Gurney, both natives
of Germany who came to Mason county, Wisconsin about the
year 1845. Seven years later they removed to Clinton county,
Iowa, where they lived until the father's death. His wife then
removed to Greene county where she died. They were the par-
ents of ten children: Emily, who is deceased; Fred, wdio came to
his death by starvation during his service in the Civil war;
Charles, Agnes, Minnie, Anna and Henry, all of whom have
passed away; one child, who died in infancy; Emma P.. the wife
of the subject of this sketch ; and G. A., deceased. Mrs. Gruver

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 127

has al\va3-s been a worthy helpmeet of her husband in his strug-
gles toward success. Their married life has been completely happy
and they have gained many friends in this section of the country.
They w ere the parents of eight children : Anna, Mary and Haley, de-
ceased ; Hannah Rosetta, who is married to J. H. Wood of Gowrie,
Iowa, and has live children, Amy, Perry, Jim, Charles and George;
Marion, working in the coal mines in Des Moines ; G. A., who
resides in Havelock and married Miss Lottie Johnson, by whom
he had two children. Pearl and Ray; Henry, who lives in P'ort
Dodge, Iowa, with his wife, who was Miss Libbie Lilly, and his
son Charles Perry; and Isaac, who married Miss Lola Lizer, by
whom he has one daughter, Doris, and lives on the home farm.

Mr. Gruver gives his political allegiance to the republican
party but beyond casting his vote each election day takes no
active part in public affairs. He has always been a loyal citizen
and endeavored to serve his country in the Civil war but was
refused on account of disability. He has always done his duty
in the various relations of life and is a devout member of the
Christian church. He is one of the oldest settlers in this part
of the country and his life has been an active factor in its up-
building. He has made a valiant struggle against constantly
dominating obstacles and has well earned the prosperity which
he enjoys and the esteem and respect of his fellowmen.

OTTO G. YANT.

Otto G. Yant has been cashier of the X'incent Savings liank
since April, 191 1, and is also doing able and intelligent work as
general manager of the Vincent Telephone Company, operating
exchanges here and in Thor, Iowa. He is a practical business
man with the power to make his ability effective and has brought
the two enterprises with which he is connected to a gratifying
degree of success. He has been a resident of Iowa all his life, his
birth having occurred in Polk county, on April 25. 1885. He is
a son of William and Emma (Biddle) Yant, natives of that sec-
tion. His father was reared and educated in Polk county and
after he grew to maturity he engaged in general fanning until
he was thirty years of age. At that time he learned photography
and followed that line of occupation until his health failed, when

128 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

he went to Calhoun county, where he owned a farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres. Upon this he settled, made various im-
provements and did general farming until 1900, going- in that year
to Rockwell City, where he again established himself as a photog-
rapher and where he is still carrying on a successful business.
The mother of our subject is also livmg.

Otto Yant completed an education begun at Mitchelville, Polk
county, in the public schools of Calhoun county and at the Rock-
well City high school. After laying aside his books he learned
the barber's trade working at that occupation for two years. His
banking career began in 1906, when he entered the First National
Bank of Rockwell City as bookkeeper. He did able and thorough
work in this capacity and retained his identification with the
institution until July, 1910, when he entered the employ of the
First National Bank of Fort Dodge as utility man. This position
he held for some time but was subsequently sent to Emmetsburg
as assistant cashier in a bank of that city. After two months he
came to Vincent, where he was appointed cashier of the Vincent
Savings Bank, entering upon his duties in April, 191 1, and being
still active. The institution with which he is identified is one of
the leading banks in Newark township. It has a capital of fifteen
thousand dollars and its officers are among the most able business
men of the section. The president is .\lbert Rossow, while Paul
HufYman of Eagle Gro\e, Iowa, holds the position of vice presi-
dent. Mr. Yant is a successful banker because he has had personal
experience in various aspects of that occupation and because he
is conservative and systematic as a financier. He is valuable to
the Vincent Savings Bank by reason of his industry, practical
methods and intelligent skill, which have made him successful
and have been factors in the growth and development of the
enterprise with which he is connected. He is also general man-
ager of the Vincent Telephone Company, which operates ex-
changes here and at Thor. Iowa, and is a stockholder and director
in the enterprise.

In April, 1912, :\Ir. Yant was united in marriage to Miss Eliza-
beth A. Clark, a daughter of E. W. and Mattie Clark, natives of
Illinois. He is prominent in fraternal circles, holding member-
ship in Twin Lakes Lodge, No. 478, A. F. & A. M., of Rockwell
City, Iowa. He is also prominent in the affairs of Silver Lake
Chapter No. 312, Order of the Eastern Star. He is a member
of the Church of Christ, while his wife gives her allegiance to the

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 129

JNlethodist religion. He is a republican in his political beliefs
but has never sought prominence in a public capacity. In busi-
ness affairs he has proven capable and reliable and his industrv
and well directed activity are Ijringing him a gratifxing measure
of prosperity.

CARROLL D. PARSONS, M. D., D. D. S,

Dr. Carroll D. Parsons of \'incent, Iowa, combinetl the prac-
tice of medicine and dentistry and since 1909 has been a resident
of this city and has gained a gratifying degree of success in
both professions. His career as a dentist began in 1900 and to
his activities in this line he added the general practice of med-
icine in 1908. He is able and thoroughly trained, his prosperity
being the natural result of his energy and efficiency. He is well
known in various sections of Iowa, having been a resident of the
state since his birth, which occurred in Waterloo, Blackhawk
county, in November, 1879. He is a son of Roscoe and Ellen
(Spaulding) Parsons, the former a native of Vermont and the
latter of New Jersey. His father came to Iowa when he was
still a child and with his parents, settled in this state, where he
was reared and educated. The family located in ^\'aterloo before
the Civil war and later the father entered a Chicago medical
school, receiving his degree of AI. D. He located in Traer, Iowa,
and here practiced his profession until his death which occurred
in March, 1903. His wife survives him.

Dr. Parsons was only three years of age when his parents
moved to Traer. He attended the public schools of that com-
munity and in 1897 entered the State University at Iowa City,
graduating in dentistry with the class of 1900. He located im-
mediately in Lake City, Iowa. Here he was successful until
November, 1904, when he removed to Alden, where he practiced
one year. At the end of that time he went to Iowa City, entered
the medical department of the State University and after one
year's study came to Chicago, graduating in 1908 from the Hahne-
mann Medical College of that city. In the same year he went to
Oelwein and practiced dentistry and general medicine for one
year in that city before he came to Vincent, where he has
since resided. He is progressive, modern and up-to-date in every

130 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

phase of his practice, keeping constantly in touch with every new
development in medical research, investigation and experiment.
His knowledge is constantly broadening and his practice increas-
ing as his ability becomes more widely known.

On May i6, 191 1, Dr. Parsons was united in marriage to Miss
May McElroy, a daughter of Harry, and Elizabeth (Redding)
McElroy, the former a native of Chicago and the latter of Minne-
sota. The father was a railroad man and was killed in an acci-
dent in his native city in 1895. His wife survived him by one
year.

In politics Dr. Parsons is a consistent republican and votes the
party ticket, although his professional duties prevent him from
taking active part in public affairs. He is a member of the
Fayette County Medical Society and is prominent in the affairs of
the Order of Elks and the Order of Moose, holding membership
also in the Knights of Pythias. His wife is a devout adherent of
the Roman Catholic church. He is one of the successful general
practitioners and dentists in Vincent. The zeal with which he
has devoted his energies to his profession and the careful regard
which he manifests for the interests of his patients have brought
him a large practice and made him very successful in its conduct.

FRANCIS B. DRAKE.

Francis B. Drake is living in a pleasant and comfortable home
in Otho, to which he removed about twelve years ago, when he
definitely abandoned agricultural pursuits after a period of almost
fifty years' successful identification with farming. He is num-
bered among the early settlers, in Iowa and his activities have
been connected with an important period of development and
have gained him recognition as a man of resourceful ability and
well directed energy. He was born in St. Lawrence county, New
York, July 27. 1832, a son of David B. and Caroline (Wilson)
Drake, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New
Hampshire. The father came to New York about the year
1828 and there engaged in farming, cultivating and developing
a tract of timber land and obtaining his water supply from a plant
which he erected upon his property. Later he became interested
in a woolen factory but abandoned this line of occupation in

-u

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 133

order to resume his agricultural pursuits. He cleared and im-
proved a large farm in St. Lawrence county and operated this
until his death, which occurred in 1869. He had survived his
wife since 1864.

Francis B. Drake received his education in the public schools
and St. Lawrence Academy of New York state, and made use
of every opportunity in this line, fitting himself for teaching,
which occupation he followed for a numlier of years. In 1854
he came west, settling in Webster county, where he entered a
claim for one hundred and sixty acres of land in Otho township,
paying for this property a dollar and a quarter per acre. Shortly
afterward he sold his first farm and bought one hundred and
twenty acres in the same township, which he developed and
improved for ten years. \\'hen he sold this tract of land he
bought another farm in Clay township, which he operated until
1900, when he disposed of his property and moved to Otho, wdiere
he erected a fine modern home, in which he has since resided.
He is living practically retired but is dealing to some extent in
Nebraska real estate.

On April 16, 1857, i\Ir. Drake was united in marriage to Miss
Caroline E. Hart, a daughter of Norman and Marcia (Hale)
Harf, natives of Connecticut. The father came to Adams county.
Illinois, in 1834 but remained only a short time. Removing to
Kane county, he took up a tract of fine farming land and operated
and improved this until 1854, when he disposed of his property
and came to Webster county. Here he took up eighty acres in
Otho township and each member of his family also entered land
claims. L'pon their combined holdings Norman Hart carried on
general agriculture, improving his property and developing and
operating it along the most systematic, progressive and modern
lines until his death, which occurred March 30. 1880. He was
one of the earliest pioneers in Iowa, coming to this section when
there was not a railroad within the state limits and none beyond
the boundaries of central Illinois. He was a splendid type of
the early settler, hard-working, energetic and intelligent, and
was perhaps one of the greatest individual forces in the upbuild-
ing and growth of Webster county. Flis wife passed away in
February, 1875. y]v. and Mrs. Drake have three adopted chil-
dren, all of whom are married.

Mr. Drake gives his allegiance to the republican party and
has always been active and pronu'ncnt in local affairs, holding

134 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

various important public offices and serving faithfully, ably and
conscientiously in the interests of his fellow citizens. He was
county surveyor and county supervisor for a number of years
and also did effective work as road super\'isor. Among his tJther
offices may be mentioned those of township c'erk, assessor and
trustee, in all of which capacities he served efficiently and always
with a view to the best interests of his constituents. During the
Civil war he served as postmaster of Otho, Ijcing the first post-
master of the village. At the present time lie is justice of the
peace and is bringing to the discharge of the duties of this office
the same unquestioned integrity, well directed energy and ex-
perienced discrimination which have marked the entire course of
his pul)lic life. He and his wife belong to the Congregational
church. For almost half a century he has lived in Iowa and has
promoted the growth of its most important resource — agricul-
ture. He has witnessed the progress and evolution which ha\e
come in fifty years of modern activity and to a great e.xtent has
been identified with the change, working ably and intelligently
in his active years and earning his retirement 1)y energ\- and
diligence.

MAUDE LAUDERDALE.

While Iowa as a state has never accorded to woman the right
of franchise, various districts have acknowledged her capability
for service in public office and have called her to positions of
trust and responsibility. Such is the case in Webster county,
where Miss Maude Lauderdale of Fort Dodge is serving as
county recorder. Her birthplace was Sunnyside Farm in I'.uch-
anan county. Iowa, her parents being Edwin I. and Sadie [•"
(Marshall) Lauderdale, natives of Ohio and Brooklyn. Xew York,
respectively. The Lauderdale family is of Scotch origin, while
the Marshalls were English and the Luthers of German descent.
The paternal grandfather, George H. Lauderdale, also a native
of Ohio, wedded ]\Iary Pocock and followed the occupation of
farming. EventuaHy he and his wife remo\ed to Iowa, settling
in Buchanan county, where he carried on general agricultural
pursuits for a considerable period, until his i-em(i\al li> indeiicnil-
ence, where lie and liis wife spent their remaining days. He

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COL'XTV 135

passed away at the age of eighty-nine and his wife when eighty-
four years of age. They were the parents of three sons: Edwin
I.; John W. ; and Frank, who was killed in the Civil war. The
maternal grandparents of Miss Lauderdale were Robert and Mary
Catharine (Luther) Marshall, the latter a direct descendant of
Martin Luther. The former was born in Brooklyn, New York,
and there engaged in the manufacture of rope, but after his
removal to Iowa, in i860, he purchased two farms — one in
Grundy county, which he bought for his two eldest sons, and
one in Humboldt county, upon which he took up his abotle. cul-
tivating and improving it until his death, which occurred on June
26, 1875, when he was well advanced in years. His wife sur-
vived him an<l died October 7, 1899, in Fort Dodge at the age
of eighty-nine years. They were the parents of thirteen chil-
dren, of whom the following reached years of maturity, namely:
Kate, who gave her hand in marriage to John Frazier; Thomas
A.; Robert; Mary Grace, who wedded Thomas Cummings : Sadie
F., wife of Edwin L Lauderdale: John L. : Annie R., the wife of
James B. Williams: William K.; Cornelia C, the wife of C. P.
Byam ; and JNLirgaret Antoinette.

Edwin L Lauderdale was reared in Ohio and became a prac-
ticing dentist. Removing westward during the pioneer epoch
in the historv of Iowa, he became one of the incorporators of
Fort Dodge, where he practiced his profession in connection
with Dr. V. G. .Slate. He served his country as a soldier in the
Civil war. enlisting in an Ohio ca\'alr\- regiment. His wife. Sadie
F. Lauderdale was bctrn and reared in I'.rodklyn, Xew \'ork. came
to Fort Dodge in i860 and is still residing here. They had but
two children, the elder being George H., now a resident of Chi-
cago. Miss Lauderdale is related to several of the prominent
old families of Webster county, including James B. Williams, now
deceased, who was the son of William \\ iiliams. the founder of
Fort Dodge. Her uncle, Dr. jdlni 1.. Marshall, also deceased,
was a leading dentist of the city. Ik- came here when a young
boy, was reared to manhond in this county and practiced den-
tistry here for manv years, until his death which occurred on
June 23, 1890. He married Luclla Wallace, a niece of Judge W.
N. Meservey, one of the old settlers and early judges here and
the father of the Hon. S. T. Meservey of Chicago.

Maude Lauderdale was reared in Fort Dodge from the age of
eight years, attended the public schools and, passing through

' 136 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

consecutive grades, was in due time graduated from the high
school. The first money she ever earned was as committee clerk
in the Iowa house of representatives and later she became as-
sistant postmistress of Fort Dodge under C. F. Duncombe, filling
that position for three years. She then took up the profession of
bookkeeping, which she followed for several years, and in 1902
she became connected with the abstract business as a partner of
her uncle. James B. Williams, under the firm name of the Webster
County Abstract Company. The uncle died in 1903 but Miss
Lauderdale still continues the business successfully. In 1910 she
was elected recorder of Webster county for the years 191 1 and
1912 as the candidate of the democratic party and is now accept-
ably filling that position. She has had broad and varied business
experience, recognizes the value of carefully systematized inter-
ests and of methodical effort and as the incumbent in the office of
county recorder is making a most excellent record. She holds
membership with the Episcopal church and is highly esteemed
in social circles.

JOHX W. HAGANS.

John W. Hagans is one of the progressive, substantial and en-
terprising citizens of Barnum, where he is living retired after
forty-four years' identification with business and agricultural
interests in Iowa. His residence in Webster county dates from
1879 ^"'' since that time his activities have been connected with
important industries in this section. He was born in Orange
county. New York, on January 5. 1838, and is a son of Wesley and
Ellen (Brown) Hagans. the former a native of Philadelphia and
the latter of New York. His father was a practicing physician
and left his native city in 1857 in order to locate in Goshen, In-
diana, where he followed his profession for the remainder of his
life. He died in 1866. His wife passed away in Barnum. in
1907.

Mr. Hagans remained in New York until he was nineteen
years of age and completed his education begun in the public
schools of that city in Indiana, where he removed with his father
m 18^7. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1862. lo-
catin"- for ]iractice in Goshen, where he entered into partnership

HISTORY OF WEBSTER^ COUNTY 137

with Mr. Dickinson, under the tirni name of Dickinson & Hagans.
He was successful as a lawyer until iS66, when he abandoned
this field in order to establish himself in the photograph business
at Goshen, in which he continued for one year. In 1867 he pur-
chased a shoe store, which he conducted until he came to Iowa
in 1868. In this state he located in Clinton county, where he was
employed along mechanical lines until 1879. He had an instinct
for this work and was successful at it. He then came to Webster
county purchasing one hundred and sixty acres on sections 30
and 31, Johnson township, to which he later added eighty adjoin-
ing acres. He set about the improvement of this property along
progressive and modern lines and gained prosperity as general
agriculturist during the short period in which he followed farm-
ing, subsequent to which he returned to Clinton, where for eight-
een months he worked at different occupations, coming back at
the end of that time to his farm in Webster county, which he
cultivated until 1902. In that year he retired from agricultural
life and moved to Barnum, where he has since resided.

On January 18, 1866, Mr. Hagans was united in marriage to
Miss Mary A. Gillett, a daughter of Thomas J. and Mary Gillett,
natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hagans were the parents of
six children: Francis J., who passed away in 1868; Frances May,
who is forty-three years old and the wife of Howard Moore of
Missouri; Charles W., who died in infancy; Charles G., who re-
sides in Omaha. Nebraska: Nellie: and one child, who died in
infancy. Mrs. Hagans died on July 12. 1898.

Mr. Hagans is now active in the insurance business in this
city and has varied interests, all of which are forces in local
growth and expansion. He is a stockholder in the Farmers
Elevator Company and is vice president of the Farmers Grain
Dealers' Association of Iowa. He also acts as president of the
Barnum Telephone Company and was the organizer of this
corporation and of the local elevator company. He has an inborn
faculty for invention and is adding to lii> income by the sale of
the Hagans' fence post, which is fully protected by United
.States and Canadian patents. It has many advantages over the
common forms now in use. being cheap, simple, strong and very
lasting. It is handled by the .\merican Patent & Promoting
Company of Detroit, Michigan.

In his political views Mr. Hagans is a consistent democrat and
served as president of the Johnsf)n township school board for

138 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

twenty years. His name is always prominent in any movement
looking toward the further development and improvement of
the section in which he resides and his life has been a great
individual force in its progress. He is a member of the Alasonic
lodge, having been identified with this order since 1861. He is
a Methodist in his religious views and a man of exemplary life.
He has all the adaptability and the force of personality which
distinguish, men who have been acti\e in various representative
enterprises. He is straightforward, upright, energetic and hon-
orable, and possesses those characteristics which are the essential
qualities of public spirit.

CHARLES HENRY ALLSTOT.

Charles Henry Allstot was born July 7, 1868, in Dubuqu^
county, Iowa, and received his early education in the public
schools in Greene county, that state. After completing his
education he removed to Webster county, Iowa, in 1885 and in
partnership with his brother, James Allstot, was engaged in
farming for four j'ears. At the end of that time he established
himself in farming on his father-in-law's farm, where he remained
for nine years. He then purchased a farm of forty acres from
Jesse Miles. There he established his home and has since con-
tinued to devote his attention to general farming and stock-
raising.

Mr. Allstot was united in marriage, March 2. 1890, to Miss
Clarinda Black, a native of Lehigh, Iowa, and a daughter of
James Monroe and Mary Jane (Fye) Black. The father was
born in the southeastern part of Iowa and celebrated his marriage
in Webster county. He and his wife were the ])arents of four
children: Cora Arva ; Edward; Clarinda, now Mrs. Allstot: and
John, who married Nettie Rufer, by whom he has one child. Rufer
M. Black. The father of this family died in Burnside township
at the age of fifty-five and the mother was fifty years of age when
she passed away. Both are buried in Otho cemetery. The father
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and the mother
of the United Brethren church. Mr. Black for twelve years
previous to his death had been one of the trustees of Burnside
township and lived at the time of his death a retired life on his

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 139

farm of two hundred acres in \\'ebster county, which has since
passed through the probate courts and each of his surviving heirs
have received their portion of the property, fifty acres of which
was the share of the old homestead deeded to Mrs. Allstot. To
Mr. and Mrs. Allstot three children have been born: Roy, who
died in infancy; and Archie Ray and Clyde Bertsel. both at home.
Mr. Allstot is known to be one of the enterprising farmers of his
locality and is numbered among the progressive, useful citizens
of his part of the state. Of late he has purchased a fine farm jirop-
ertv near Windholm. ■Minnesota.

A. L. BESHEY.

A. L. Beshey, mayor of Tara, Iowa, in the eighteenth consecutive
year of his service, well known as a general merchant and hotel pro-
prietor and active in local democratic politics, was born in France,
July 5, 1852, and is a .'^on of Joseph and Mary (^ Phillips) Beshey,
natives of that country. The father was a farmer and operated a
small tract of land in France. He came to .America in 1858 and settled
near Portsmouth, C)hio. Here he purchased timber Iau<l and cleared
and improved his eighty acres, operating the property successfully
for eighteen years. At the end of that time he sold out and went to
Illinois, where he fanned upon rented land until his death. His
wife passed away in September. 1888.

Mr. Beshey was reared at home and completed an education begun in
the public schools of Ohio in Lee Center College at Lee Center, Illinois.
When he laid aside his books he worked out as a farm hand until he
acquired enough money to join his brother in the i)urchase of a
threshing outfit, which they were successful in oi)erating for five
years. At the end of that time Mr. Beshey came to Iowa, where he
engaged in the mercantile business at Walcott. This enterprise he
operated for about four years, disposing of his holdings eventually
in order to go to Clark county, Kansas, where he preempted a quarter
section of land, proved up his title and purchased it for one dollar and
a cpiarter an acre. Later he bought one hundred and sixty acres of
timber land, to which he added another tract of school land of similar
size. He improved this pn(|)erty and operated it for si.\ years, at the
same time engaging as a hardware and farm implement merchant.
He was successful in both lines of occupation but finally dispo.sed of

140 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

his interests in Kansas and moved to Missouri, where he bought two
hundred and fifteen acres in Polk county. Upon this he carried on
general agricultural pursuits for six years, coming to Webster county,
Iowa, at the end of that time. He located immediately in Tara, six
miles west of Fort Dodge, bought village property and established
himself in the mercantile business, which he has conducted since that
time. In 1909 he purchased a business building and six town lots
and opened a hotel, with which he is at present connected. He has
been successful in both lines of occupation, having founded his pros-
perity on industry, straightforward business methods and unquestioned
honesty.

On January i, 1886, Mr. Beshey was united in marriage to Miss
Percilla Miller, a daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth Miller, the former
a native of England and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs.
Beshey became the parents of seven children. Those living are
Elmer, Ivy, Celia M., Alice, Louis and Edna.

Mr. Beshey is well known and favorably regarded in democratic
political circles. He is at present mayor of Tara and has served in
this capacity for the past eighteen years. He was for a long time
school director of his township and did able work as justice of the
peace, which office he is now holding. He was appointed postmaster
but refused the office, with the result that there is no postoffice in the
village. He belongs to the Roman Catholic church. There is hardly
a line of legitimate activity in which he is not interested and active.
His business affairs are thriving and ably conducted, his political
record is clean and free from any suspicion of corruption, and his
labors along both lines have been constantly constructive and his life
has been worthy and honorable because it has been useful and
valuable.

WILLIAM LINGARD.

^V'illiam Lingard, who is engaged in business in association
with his brother, George E., conducts a meat market and grocery
at Kalo and also operates a similar enterprise at Otho, both es-
tablishments having a large patronage. His birth occurred in
Lincolnshire, England, on the 7th of April, 1852, his parents being
Edward and Esther (Smith) Lingard, who were also natives of
that country. The father, a mason by trade, brought his familv

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 141

lo America in 1853, locating in Canada, where he remained for
two years. On the expiration of that period he came to Iowa,
locating first in Dewitt, Clinton county, and later in Boone, where
he w'orked as a coal miner and resided until 1882. In that year
he came to Webster county, settling at Kalo, where he engaged
in coal mining and made his home throughout the remainder
of his life. In 1862, in the defense of the Union, he enlisted in
Company A, Twenty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which
command he remained until the cessation of hostilities. His
demise occurred in May, 1904. while his wife was called to her
final rest on the 30th of November, 1908.

William Lingard. who was brought to America by his parents
when but one year old, acquired his education at Dewitt. Clin-
ton county, this state. After putting aside his text-books he
began mining coal at Boone, being thus employed for some time.
At the age of nineteen years, however, he went to Nebraska, took
up a homestead and resided thereon for six years. It was in
1882 that he came to Kalo, Webster county, locating here in the
same year that his father took up his abode in this county. He
again turned his attention to coal miaing and was thus employed
until forty years of age. In 1892, in partnership with liis brother,
George E., he opened a meat market at Kalo, to which he later
added a grocery department and which he has conducted con-
tinuously since with gratifying success. The brothers also con-
duct a meat market and grocery store at Otho and have built up
an extensive trade in both places, having won an enviable repu-
tation by reason of their straightforward and honorable business
dealings. They do an annual business amounting to over twenty-
three thousand dollars. William Lingard and his brother own a
well improved farm near Kalo and have an attractive home in
that town.

On the 25th of April, 1878, Mr. Lingard was united in marriage
to Miss Marion Stewart, a daughter of Louis and Jane Stewart,
both natives of Scotland. Our subject and his wife have three
children, namely: William, who is thirty-two years of age and
assists his father in the conduct of his business; Matilda J., the
wife of Adam Krouse, a miner and farmer; and inorence, who is
fifteen years of age and is under the parental roof. Mr. and Mrs.
Lingard reared a boy named Gus Anderson, who passed away in
1899 at the age of eighteen years.

142 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

William Lingard is a republican and has served as trustee of
Otho township for six years. He belongs to the local organiza-
tion of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is also a
valued member of the Congregational church. He has many
friends in the community where he resides, and his excellent
traits of character have gained for him the respect and regard
of his fellowmen.

LOUIS O. MYRLAXD.

Louis O. Alyrland, a blacksmith and rural mail carrier in
Badger, Iowa, was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, in December,
1872, and is a son of O. P. and Emily P. (Simondson) Myrland,
natives of Norway. The father came to this country with his
parents in the early '50s, the family locating in Wisconsin, where
O. P. Myrland grew to maturity. He followed farming for a
number of years, renting a tract of land in Dane county, which
he hnally purchased and improved, operating it until 1888. In
1892 he moved to Jackson, Minnesota, where he and his wife have
since resided.

Louis O. Myrland was reared and educated in Wisconsin and
in that state he began learning the blacksmith's trade. At the
end of two years he came to Badger, where he completed his
apprenticeship. He worked at this occupation for a year and a
half, at the end of which time he was able to purchase a shop of
his own, which he has since operated. His business is rapidly
increasing, prosperity having come to him because he labored
diligently to attain it. He has applied his energies successfully
to the promotion of his enterprise and has won success bv the
sure method of hard and continued work. In February, 1906,
he was appointed rural mail carrier of Badger township and
has continued in the service since that time. He owns his busi-
ness property and a comfortable and pleasant home in the city
in which he resides and is interested in its future growth and
welfare. He is a stockholder in the Badger Telephone Company,
seeking to do his utmost to encourage local enterprises.

In June, 1900, Mr. Myrland was united in marriage to Miss
Belle Lee, a daughter of Helge and .-\nna Lee. natives of Norwav.
The father was an early settler in Wisconsin, where he followed

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 143

farming until the outbreak of the Civil war. He was drafted in
the Federal army and served for some time, returning to Wis-
consin after his discharge. Here he resumed agricultural pur-
suits, operating his farm until 1877, when lie came to Iowa,
settling in Hancock county, where he purchased a fine tract of
land, which he brought to a high state of development before his
death, which occurred in 1896. His wife is still living and makes
her home in Britt, Iowa. Mr. and Airs. Mvrland ])ecame the
parents of two children: Marvyl, who is nine years of age; and
Fern Anniveve, who died in .Vprij, igog, when she was three
months old.

Mr. Mvrland is a member of the Lutiieran church of Ikidger
and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of .\merica. He is well
known in local republican politics and has served continuously
for ten or twelve years as member of the town council. He
never seeks to evade the obligations of citizenship and is influ-
enced in his public activities l)y an interest in the growth and
prosperity of his section. His standards both in business and
in politics are modern and progressive and his energies, well
applied and directed, have brought him a gratifying measure of
success.

THOMAS H. DAWSON.

Thomas H. Dawson is successfully engaged in business as a
member of the Craig & Dawson Coal Company, with offices at
No. 4 North Seventh street in Fort Dodge. A native of Webster
county, he has spent his entire life within its borders and now
makes his home at No. 1302 Fifth avenue. South, in Fort Dodge.
His birth occurred on the 3d of February, 1877, his parents being
Jerry and Mary Jane (Wonders) Dawson, the former a native of
England. His paternal grandfather, Robert Dawson, was also
born in England and devoted the greater part of his life to general
agricultural pursuits. His demise occurred at Kalo, this stale.
To him, and his wife who bore the maiden name of Alma Peart,
were born twelve children, six of whom grew to maturity, as
follows: Joshua: Jerry: Nellie, the deceased wife of David Wil-
liams; Mary, the deceased wife of Tabor Moore; William, who is
a resident of Otho, Iowa: and Elizabeth, who gave her hand in

144 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

marriage to Orville Brown and resides in Calhoun county, Iowa.
The maternal grandparents of our subject, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Wonders, became early settlers of this county and here passed
away when about seventy years of age. They had three sons and
tour daughters, Mary Jane, Margaret, Thomas, Martha, John
William, Elizabeth and Joseph.

Jerry Dawson, the father of Thomas H. Dawson, was nine
years of age when he accompanied his parents on their emigration
to the United States, the family home being first established in
Coshocton, Ohio, and later at Moingona, Iowa. Subsequently the
family spent four or five years in Manson, this state, and then
removed to Kalo, where both Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dawson passed
away wlien well advanced in years. Jerry Dawson removed from
Manson to Coalville and thence to Kalo, where he became a coal
mine operator. During the period of the Civil war he enlisted
for one hundred days' service as a private, becoming a member of
Company G, One hundred and Forty-third Ohio National Guard.
He was a stanch republican but never sought nor desired public
ofiiice as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally, he was identi-
fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He passed
away at Kalo in 1907, when sixty-three years of age, and the
community lost one of its most substantial and esteemed citizens.
His widow, now si.xty-four years of age, lives at Otho and is a
Methodist in religious faith. To Mr. anr] Mrs. Jerry Dawson
were born five children, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of William
Schnurr, of Otho, Iowa; Thomas H.. of this review: Emerson
W., deceased; Alma, the wife of Alexander Reid, of Otho; and
Mary Ellen, living in Otho.

Thomas H. Dawson, whose name introduces this review, was
reared to manhood in Webster county and obtained his early edu-
cation in the country schools, while later he attended the ])ublic
schools of Kalo. Subsequently he continued his studies in the
Fort Dodge high school and also in Tobin College. Since putting
aside his text-books he has been continuously identified with the
coal business operating in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and also in Higbee,
Missouri. He recently disposed of his interests in the latter
place and now- devotes his entire attention to the conduct of the
Craig & Dawson Coal Company of Fort Dodge. His efforts have
been attended with success and he has long enjoyed an enviable
reputation as one of the representative and prosperous business
men of the city.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 145

On the 1st of January, 1900, Mr. Dawson was united in mar-
riage to Miss Ursula Griggs, a native of Mexico, Missouri, and
a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Jane (Morris) Griggs. Her
father, wlio participated in the Civil war as a Confederate soldier,
passed away at Higbee, Missouri, but the mother survives and'
makes her home in Denver, Colorado. She has five living chil-
dren, Commodore Griggs. Sonora, Ursula, Henry B. and Data.
Mr. and Mrs. Dawson have one son. Emerson Blanton. The
mother is a devoted member of the Episcopal church. Fra-
ternally. Thomas H. Dawson is known as a Master Alason. His
political allegiance is given the republican party. His entire
life has been passed in this county and he has attained a creditable
position in business circles, while his sincere cordiality has won
him the friendship of many.

GEORGE E. LINGARD.

George E. Lingard is well known in business circles of Webster
county as the proprietor of meat markets and grocery stores at
Kalo and Otho, which establishments he conducts in partner-
ship with his brother, William Lingard. He was born in Dewitt,
Clinton county, Iowa, on the 2d of October, 1866, his parents be-
ing Edward and Esther (Smith) Lingard, more extended men-
tion of whom is made on another jjage of this work in connection
with the sketch of William Lingard.

George E. Lingard obtainetl his early education in Boone
county, Iowa, and later continued his studies in Nebraska. In
1882 the family home was established at Kalo, Webster county,
this state. George E. Lingard sul)se(|uently made his way to the
Pacific coast and later took up his abode in Colorado, w here he
spent about eight months at farming and railroading. .After
returning home he was engaged for some time in digging coal
and then went into the meat business in association with Charles
Wilson at Kalo. A short time afterward he was married and
removed to the state of Washington, where he was engaged in coal
mining for about one year. On the e.\i)iration of that period he
returned to Kalo and embarked in the butcher and grocery !)usi-
ness, in association with his I)rotiier William, in partncrshij) with
whom he has since conducted est.iblishpu'nts of that character at

146 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

both Kalo and Otlio. They do an annual business amounting to
over twenty-three thousand dollars and own their store build-
ings at both Kalo and Otho. The brothers have residence prop-
erty in Fort Dodge, and our subject ow'ns an attractive home in
Kalo and he and his brother are stockholders in the Farmers Ele-
vator Company of that place.

On the 24th of January, 1889, Mr. Lingard was joined in wed-
lock to Miss Martha Nelson, a daughter of Moi¥it and Margaret
(Johnson) Nelson, both of whom are natives of Scotland. The
father emigrated to the United States at an early date, first locat-
ing in Kentucky and later coming to Kalo. A\'ebster county, Iowa,
where both he and his wife still reside. Mr. Nelson was engaged
in mining during his acti\e business career. To Mr. and -Mrs.
Lingard have been born four children, Harley, Myrtle, Merritt
and one who died in infancy.

At the polls George E. Lingard supports the men and meas-
ures of the republican party. He has served as school director
and has also acted in the capacity of constable. His fraternal
relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Foresters, the Eagles and
the Knights of Pythias, while his religious faith is indicated by
his membership in the Congregational church. He has gained the
esteem of all with whom he has come into contact because of his
upright and honorable principles and also by reason of the
straightforward methods he e\er follows.

PETER MALLINGER.

Agricultural pursuits always engaged the attention of Peter
Mallinger until 1907, when he removed to Duncombe, identify-
ing himself with its connnercial activities. In the development of
his various business interests he has manifested as marked effi-
ciency and capability as he evidenced in his farming pursuits,
and he is regarded as one of the foremost business men of the
town. He is a son of John and Mary (Barnech) Mallinger, na-
tives of Germany, and was born in Fort Washington. Wisconsin,
in October, 1866. John Mallinger was only eighteen months of
age when brought to the United States by his parents, who
located in Wisconsin. There he was reared and educated, sub-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 147

sequently turning his attention to agricultural pursuits. For sev-
eral years he owned and operated a farm in Wisconsin, but in
1875 he sold it and coming to A\'ebster county invested the pro-
ceeds in a place in Colfax townsliip. Here he continued farming
with such success that he became one of the extensive property
holders of his community, owning at one time five hundred acres
of land. He devoted himself to the further improvement and
cultivation of his place until 1904, when he withdrew from active
work and remo\-ed to Dunconilie. Here he is now li\ing retired
at the age of seventy years, while the mother is sixty-six.

As he was a lad of nine years when he accompanied his parents
on their removal to Iowa, the education of Peter Mallinger was
begun in the common schools of his native state and completed
in those of Webster county. His agricultural training, like that
of the average country youth, was begun in childhood, his duties
being increased from year to year as his strength and sense of
responsibility developed. By the time he had attained his ma-
turity he was thoroughly familiar with the practical methods
of tilling the fields and caring for the crops and soon thereafter
began operating a farm of his own of a hundred and twenty acres
in Colfax township. The excellent training he had received under
his father, united with his diligence and determrnation of ])ur-
pose readily enabled him to win success. Not onl\- was he able
to further improve his original holding but he kept adding to his
tract until he owned three hundred and eighty acres. General
farming and stock-raising engaged Mr. Mallinger's entire atten-
tion until KJ07. when he rented his place and removed to 1 )ini-
combe. The ne.xt year he became associated with six others in
the organization of the Duncombe Cement Tile Company, of
which he has ever since been the manager. In 1910, together
with P. T. P'lynn and James Toohey, he went into the automobile
business, having the local agency of both the ]"ord and Case cars.
This proved to be a very lucrative venture and the next year they
built a fireproof garage thirty-seven by seventy feet. This firm
also operates a garage at Fort Dotlge, where they have extensive
property interests. When the Farmers Savings H.-mk was or-
ganized in October. 191 t. Mr. Mallinger still finther strength-
ened his connection with local business interests by accepting the
presidency of this enterprise, and here as elsewhere has given
efficient service. He owns one of the best residences in the town
and two blocks of residence lots.

148 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

On the 8th of February, 1893, Mr. MaUinger was married to
Miss Margaret Wagner, a daughter of Bernard and Mary (Fid-
dler) Wagner, natives of Germany. Of this marriage tliere have
been born six children : William, who is fifteen years of age ; Cath-
erine, who is six; Joseph, who has passed his third birthday; John,
who died in 1895 ^t the age of one year; Matthew, who died when
five weeks old in 1895; and Peter, who died in 1897.

The parents are communicants of the Roman Catholic church
and fraternally Mr. Mallinger is a member of the Knights of Co-
lumbus. He is a democrat in politics and is a member of the town
council, while for four years he was assessor of Colfa.x township.
Mr. Mallinger is a man of more than average diligence and busi-
ness sagacity, as he has evidenced in his career, and is meet-
ing with the prosperity invariably won through the intelligent
exercise of these qualities.

LORENZO S. COFFIN.

Iowa has furnished her full quota of eminent men to the nation,
men of pronounced ability who have become leaders in statescraft,
in commercial, industrial and professional life, and others, whose in-
fluence has been given for the amelioration of conditions that in any
way oppose or hinder the development of their fellowmen. Quiet and
unostentatious in manner, seeking not self-aggrandizement in any
direction, Lorenzo S. Coffin has liecome known as one of the most
honored sons of the Hawkeye state, not because he has won distinc-
tion in politics, or even because he has attained exceptional success
in business, but because his efforts ha\e been, and are still, unsel-
fishly given for the benefit of his fellowmen. Recognizing the law of
universal brotherhood, his sympathetic spirit has prompted action, that,
guided by sound practical judgment, has resulted in great good. He
has long since passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten,
the snows of eighty-nine winters having fallen upon his head, but old
age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness and it need not suggest
as a matter of course inactixity or helplessness. There is an old age
which is a benediction to all with whom it comes in contact; that gives
out of its riches stores of wisdom and experience and grows stronger
mentally and spiritually as the days pass. Such is it with Lorenzo S.

t'.

HISTORY Ol- WEBSTER COUNTY 151

Coffin, whose career is a source of encouragement to his contem-
poraries and an abiding lesson to the young.

In pioneer days of Webster county Mr. Coffin took up his abode
within her borders. He was born in .\hon, Xew Hampshire, April
9, 1823, on the farm which was also the birthplace of his father,
Stephen Coffin. The family is of English lineage, and at an early
epoch in American development was founded in Massachusetts, whence
the grandfather of our subject removed to the Granite state, .settling
on the farm on which both Stephen and Lorenzo Coffin were l)i)rn.
There he spent his remaining days, carrying on agricultural pursuits.
His death occurred when he was about seventy-five years of age.
In his family were nine children, all of whom reached mature years
and reared families of their own.

Stephen Coffin was trained to the work of the home farm and for
many years carried on agricultural pursuits in Xew Hampshire. He
was also a clergyman of the Baptist church and his intluence was
widely felt in behalf of Christianity. He died in Dover, New Hamp-
shire, when about seventy-five years of age. His wife bore the maiden
name of Deborah' Philbrook and died at the age of thirty-eight. She
was a native of Sanbornton, New Hampshire, representing an early
family of sturdy pioneers. Her father, David Philbrook, was born
at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, and spent the greater part of his
life on the farm at Sanbornton. He lived to the advanced age of more
than ninety years — a noble Christian man who commanded the re-
spect of all with whom he came in contact. He had eight sons and
eight daughters, all of whom reached mature years, and to each he
gave good educational privileges, thus fitting them for life's prac-
tical duties. In the family of Stephen and Deborah (Philbrook)
Coffin were three daughters and a son. Catherine P. Coffin was a
teacher in the seminary in Charleston, Massachusetts. She married
Benjamin Stanton and both engaged in educational work for several
years at Union College, Schnectady. New York. Christiana liecame
the wife of Rev. D. B. Cowell, of Maine. She possessed considerable
poetical talent and was a writer for many magazines and papers. Her
death occurred in 1863. Sarah, who was the wife of Mr. Lynde, died
when about sixty years of age.

Upon his father's farm Lorenzo S. Coffin s])ent his youth and early
became familiar with the labor of field and meadow. His educa-
tional advantages at the time were meager, but later the family re-
moved to Wolfboro, New Hamp.shirc. where he became a student in
the Wolfboro Academy. He lost his mother when fourteen years of

152 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

age but continued at home until he had attained his majority, when he
began working as a farm hand in the home neighborhood, and thus
he acquired a sum sufficient to enable him to continue his education
and prepare for teaching, a profession which he followed with suc-
cess for some time. Oberlin College, of Oberlin, Ohio, was then one
of the most popular schools of the country and he went there with the
intention of pursuing an extended course of study, but remained only
a year and a half in the preparatory department of the college.

In the meantime Mr. Coffin was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia
T. Curtis, and they went to Geauga county, Ohio, where both engaged
in teaching in the Geauga Seminary. Among their pupils were James
A. Garfield and Lucretia Rudolph, his future wife, who first met in
that school. The failing health of Mrs. Coffin obliged them to give
up teaching after one year's connection with Geauga Seminary, and
in the winter of 1854-5 Mr. Coffin came to Iowa on a business trip.
Being pleased with Webster county and the advantages oft'ered and
with firm faith in its future he resolved to locate here. He secured a
claim of one hundred and sixty acres, which he entered when the
government placed the land on the market, and thus began the de-
velopment of his fine farm, to which he has added by subsequent pur-
chases from time to time until he now owns seven hundred and twenty
acres. The experience of his boyhood and early manhood upon the
farm now proved very valuable to him. With characteristic energy
he began the development of his land, and Willow Edge Farm is now-
one of the most desirable and valuable farming properties in the state,
supplied with all modern improvements and accessories. On the brow
of the hill about three miles from Fort Dodge, near which he decided
to erect his buildings, is a large spring of purest water, flowing con-
tinually, while other springs upon the place feed the stream, the
Lizzard, which winds its way, bordered by magnificent forest trees,
through the farm. Mr. Coffin has made a specialty of the breeding
and raising of fine stock, and now owns one of the largest and choicest
herds of shorthorn cattle to be found in the west, keeping from one
hundred to two hundred head. He also breeds for the market Poland
China hogs and Oxford Down sheep, generally keeping one hundred
and fifty to two hundred and fifty or more of the latter. From two
to five men are employed upon the farm and the work is under the
immediate supervision of J. I. Rutledge, son-in-law of Mr. Coffin,
who is a joint-owner in the stock on the farm. Modern machinery,
practical and improved methods and all conveniences and accessories
for facilitating the work are here found.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 153

Not long after coming to this home Mr. Coffin was called upon
to mourn the loss of his wife, who died April 20, 1856. In February,
1857, he was again married, his second union being with ^liss Mary
Chase, of Orleans county. New York. Three children were born
unto them, but only one is living, Carrie C, the wife of J. I. Rutledge.
One child died in infancy and Kitty May died at the age of fourteen
years.

While successfully conducting his private business affairs, Mr. Coffin
never confines his efforts selfishly to his work. From 1859 to 1876 he
used to leave his home Sunday mornings very early and on horseback
would ride to different parts of the country, where no minister was
sent, and preach the Gospel. He would often ride forty miles and in
return never received a dollar in pay, doing it all for the benefit of his
fellowmen, during which time he also conducted a great many funerals.
In the early days he was the editor of the agricultural department of
the Fort Dodge Messenger and many have profited by his practical
wisdom as set forth in the columns of that paper. For many years
he was also an active member of the State Agricultural Society and
labored earnestly and effectively in connection with that organization
to promote the interests of the farming people throughout the state,
but while his interest in the subject has never abated, other duties
have made heavy demands upon his time, forcing him to cease his
work in that field to attend to more pressing needs. He had in the
meantime sensed his country loyally in the Civil war, enlisting in the
fall of 1862 as a member of Company I, Thirty-second Iowa Infantry.
He joined the army as a private, but was promoted in turn sergeant,
quartermaster sergeant and chaplain. F'or about a year lie remained
at the front and then returned to his home.

Perhaps the work which has made Mr. Cofifin most widely known
and which has been of the broadest benefit to his fellowmen is that
in connection with providing better conditions for railroad employes.
In the year 1883 he was appointed by Governor Sherman to fill a
vacancy on the railroad commission, caused by the retirement of the
Hon. James Wilson, and on the expiration of that term in 1885 was
reappointed, continuing in the office until 1888. It was during this
period that Mr. Coffin became interested in that which he is making
his life work — promoting the happiness and improving the condition
of railroad men. In speaking of his experience he says : "It seems, as
I look back through the years of my past life, that I can sec the guid-
ing of a Divine Providence bringing me to the position wiiere I might
realize the condition of the great multitude of suffering, helpless men,

154 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

the misery of whose condition seemed to be growing worse every day,
with no indication or hope of its growing better, and as I occupied the
position of railroad commissioner, receiving reports continually from
all over the state and the United States of the terrible slaughter and
crippling of railroad men, I then for the first time saw the need for
work in this field and detemiined by the help of God to do something
to alleviate the suffering of those men." He then immediately began
to investigate more fully the conditions and surroundings of the rail-
road men of the country and to agitate the subject of the power brake
and automatic car coupler, and finally Succeeded in securing the enact-
ment of the law requiring them to be placed on all cars on lines in
Iowa, which was passed by the Iowa s'tate legislature in 1888. This
was the first practical law ever enacted by any state for the safety
of railroad men. The law was strongly opposed by the railroad com-
panies. Railroad managers said its enforcement would cost them
millions of dollars annually and would do little, if anything, toward
lessening the likelihood of accident. Through the efforts of Mr.
Coffin and the cooperation of societies of railroad employes and of
private citizens to whom the record of railroad accidents was appall-
ing, the law was linally passed, with the result that the number of
accidents on railroads, caused simply in the coupling of cars alone,
has been reduced three-fourths.

To the compiler of this sketch Air. Coffin said: "To Iowa must
be given the honor of enacting into law the first practical bill ever
presented to any legislature for the safety of life and limb of rail-
road men." It was drafted by Mr. Coffin and he says that he spent a
full month on the bill. So anxious was he that the bill should be so
drawn that no court could set it aside as unconstitutional, that he
consulted with one of the judges of the Iowa supreme court on every
section of it. Mr. Coffin has the great satisfaction of knowing that
from the day it became a law its constitutionality has never been
questioned. He says that it went through the Iowa legislature with
practically a unanimous vote, not a vote against it in the senate and
only three or four against it in the house. The roads were given
five years to do the work of equipping their cars with the safety ap-
pliances that the law required. But here came a great dilemma —
all of the Iowa roads were interstate roads and engaged in the inter-
state traffic. Foreign cars from outside roads would, of course, have
to be equipped in the same manner as the cars of the Iowa roads or
they could not receive them, or else the lading must all be transferred

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 155

from these foreign cars to the Iowa cars. Here was a very serious
problem to be faced.

Mr. Coffin said : "The only way to solve that problem that showed
itself to me was through a way so strewn with \ast difficulties that
it was absolutely appalling and I dared not face it for awhile. Yet
it seemed to me it must be done. Some, of the states adjoining Iowa
copied my bill and made it into a law. If only all the states would
do the same and not change a section it woukl be just the thing, but
I could not expect that, and it would take a long while to go from
one state to another to get them to pass the same kind of a law. The
more I thought of it, I made up my mind that it would be a practical
impossibility, and so the alternative was forced on me that a national
law must be had. Of course this meant that I must go to Washington
and try to get a bill through congress. This seemed so utterly beyond
all possibility for a man like me to accomplish that for a while I
thought that I would not undertake it, but I could not rest. In my
dreams I would see these railroad men crushed between the ends of the
cars, hear their aw ful screams as the iron wheels ground them to pieces
untler the cars. Finally I thought that I must try, or at least that I
would go to Chicago and talk with some of the railroad officials there
and ask their advice. I felt sure that the companies that ran roads
ihniugh Iiiwa would like lo ha\e all i ithcr roads to equip their cars
as theirs were to he, so there would lie an easy iiucrchange of cars
from one road to another. I thought that would help in this great
move. To show how hopeless the undertaking was in their judgment
I will relate what was said in my talk with Marvin Ilughitt, president
of the Chicago & Xorthwestern Railway. \\'hen I went into his office
he was busy examining some papers, and alter a little while he said
in rather a sharp and vexed tone: 'Xow, Mr. Coffin, as you have
got your state to enact that law, I want that you siiould go to every
state adjoining Iowa and get them to enact such a law as Iowa has.'
I said that I realized the great importance of a uniform law and could
see no way to secure it only through congress, ami that I had aljout
made up my mind to go down to Washington and get it to pass my
bill. Mr. Hughitt dropped the papers he had in liis hand on the table
before him and looked at me with great amazement and said: 'Mr.
Coffin, congress is a great body: you can't move that.' My after-ex-
perience showed me how well that man judged of what, as he well
thought, a wild undertaking, and how well he understood and ap-
preciated the difficulties I would have to encounter.

156 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUXTY

"In the spring of 1888 the interstate commerce commission, then
just organized, invited what state railroad commissioners were then
created, to come to Washington and hold a conference. That noted
jurist, Judge Cooley, of Michigan, was president of the national com-
mission. Although my term of office had expired a few weeks before
the date of that conference, our state commission urged me to attend
that meeting. I did so, and near the close of the last session of that
meeting, by the request of a member of the Iowa board, I was asked
by Judge Cooley to address the conference. This I, of course did,
giving them the mass of statistics I had been compiling, which was
new to them all. After I had sat down commissioners from other
states gathered around me and said: 'Mr. Coffin, you must be wrong,
for we can't think that it is possible that there is such a fearful killing
and maiming of our railroad men.' I assured them that they were
absolutely correct, as far as Iowa was concerned, for they were from
the reports of the roads themselves to our state board, as our law
required them to report to us everj^ accident to their men.

"As but \ery few of the states had as yet required the roads to
report as ours did, I had to get the number of killed and injured in
other states b\' the rule of three. If Iowa, with so many miles of
road, had so many accidents to their men, how many will all the miles
in the nation give us? Afterward, from a talk with an old railroad
man. I found that my basis of calculation was wrong, for I should
have taken it by the number of engines, for on most all cif the roads
east there would be a great many more trains a day than in the then
sparsely settled Iowa. When I made my computations on this basis
the total was so awful that I did not dare to give the e.xact figures to
the public. Aftenvard Judge Cooley wrote me to give to his national
commission what facts and figures I had gathered up and what other
infomiation I had gained on this matter in my fi\e years of experience
as a commissioner. I am telling all this to you, sir, that you may
see, as I do, the wonderful way I was led on so as to have more and
more of the standing before the public and the jxjwers that then were.
Let it be understood all along that I now realized that I was only an
instrument in the hand of God and the Father, to be used by Him for
a great good to the great army of railroad men who are now an abso-
lute necessity to the prosperity of this great country. The information
I sent to Judge Cooley was by the request of General Benjamin
Harrison, then president-elect of the United States, sent to him, and
used by him in his inaugural when he was sworn into his high office.
He did it in these words : 'It is a disgrace to our civilization that men

HISTORY OF WKHSTI-.R LOL'XTV 157

ill a law fill employment for a livelihood should be exposed to greater
danger than soldiers in the time of actual war." He very strongly
recommended speedy action by congress. So you see how in this
unthought of and unpremeditated way a mighty opening was made
for me. Then 1 had two especially strong and influential friends, one
in each house of congress. One was W. B. Allison in the senate, and
Colonel David B. Henderson in the house, now its speaker. Here
again was another of the series of special pnnidences that show so
plainly all along the road, but of which 1 was not aware then, but
now can see as clearly as the noonday sun. Some years before at
one of the congressional elections it was a question whether Colonel
Henderson would be returned, as he at that time had a very strong
^competitor, and I sujipose that it is no egotism in me to say what was
then pretty well understood to be the fact, that my influence with the
railroad boys and w ith the farmers of his district had much to do with
saving him. This had made him a firm friend, and he w-as ready to aid
me all in his power, which was great, and he wielded it to good ad-
vantage for the bill. Well, the 4th of March was coming on. I had
been working on the bill for congress with a great deal of care and
labor. I lia:d been very an.xious before the inauguration to have Mr.
Harrison say a word for the boys in his address. I wanted td know
how he felt, but ne\er lia\ing met him. and there being such a throng
around him, 1 could see no way to get to him to ask him to remember
the boys. Finally, Colonel Henderson gave me a letter to him, and so
I had a chance to speak to him. His first words after reading the
letter were, "Well, what is it?' In as few wurds as I could I told what
I wanted, hi an instant he replied. 'It is in there.' meaning in his
address, and those were his last words to me. I grasped his hand,
thanked him with tears in my eyes and left.

"Congress convened. My bills were introduced and referred to
the committee on interstate commerce. F'or four long years I was in
what was called the third house of congress, "the lobby.' It is not
necessary for me to try to tell you of the long struggle. It would
fill a book. I fully realized that public opinion had much to do with
acts of congress, so wherever I heard of a great gathering of influ-
ential men, such as great gatherings of church officials of every de-
nomination, there I would go and get a few moments time to plead
for the lives and limbs of the railroad boys and for Sunday rest as
well, getting them to pass strong resolutions which I had usually
already prepared. And so I worked. The first congress of Harrison's
administration closed without my being able to get the bills out of the

158 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

committee's hands. They were introduced again at the opening of
his last congress, and from that time on the railroads were there in
force fighting the bill. They told the committee that it would cost
the roads one hundred million dollars to meet the requirements of
that hill. But God loved these trainmen more than He did the millions
of the corporations, and the bill went through and President Harrison
signed it and made it a law two days before he left his high office, on
the 2d of ]\Iarch, 1893. The law gave the roads five years to equip
their cars as the law directed, but near the close of the fifth year the
roads came before the interestate commerce commission and pleaded
for five vears more, but the five railroad brotherhoods with myself were
there in opposition, and they got only two years and then seven months
after that. As the result of that law there are at least fifteen hundred
less deaths and over five thousand less painful accidents per year than
when President Harrison signed that bill. So beneficial is this law-
found to be in an economical sense, to say nothing of the saving
of life and limb, that the very officials that then called me a crank
and alnised me so unmercifully, now take me by the hand and thank
nie for what they then cursed me for. Yet it never seems to me
that I have done anything but what was my plain duty to do after
the awful facts came to my knowledge. I never could have respected
myself if I had refused to try, frightened at the lions I really saw in
the way. So then let the praise go where it belongs, to God."

Mr. Coffin certainly deserves the unbounded gratitude of all rail-
road men throughout the country, by securing the enactment of the
national law which was passed by congress March 2. 1893. When
President Harrison signed the "safety appliance bill"' the interstate
commerce commission rei)orts show that there were twenty-seven hun-
dred and thirty-seven railroad men killed that year and over thirty-
three thousand injured, some being badly crippled for life. After the
cars were equipped as the law directs, the commission reports that the
effect of that law Jiad reduced the casualties to railroad men over
sixty-five per cent, notwithstanding that had been a dull \ear for the
railroads and far less men were employed than in other years: so
that it is perfectly safe to say that two thousand were and ha\e l)een
saved and over twenty thousand painful accidents ha\e been pre-
vented yearly since 1900.

That Mr. Coffin's efforts along this line have received well deserved
recognition from men of ability and weight who are capable of ap-
preciating their true value may be plainly seen by this statement in a
letter written by Rev. William Salter, D. D. "When I read Mr.

HISTORY Ol'- \VEI5STER COUNTY 159

Coffin's article a thrill of pleasure and state pride ran through me
that Iowa had a man of such divine humanity and of so much patience,
skill antl tact to do such good work and to tell the story in the sim|)le
and direct style of Ben F"ranklin"s autobiography. It ought to have a
wide circulation."' Mr. Salter also wrote Mr. Coffin personally to
express his appreciation of the splendid work accomplished. In a
letter dated January i8, 1903, he says: "I have just read your de-
lightful paper in The .\nnals for this month and heg to send you my
hearty thanks and a few blessings for writing it. You have added an
additional benefit to the great services you have rendered to humanity
by giving the history of your labors for 'Safe .Appliances on Rail-
roads' in so clear and vigorous a style and with such admirable sim-
plicity and straightforwardness. Your pajier will become a classic in
Iowa literature and bring honor to our state as well as to yourself
that its author is an Iowa man. It will encourage other good minds
in the future to labor with [latieuce and hope like your own for
amelioration aiul ini])rovement in e\ery department of industry and
commerce and trade. With sentiments of high respect and warm
esteem, very sincerely yours, William Salter."

Mr. Coffin has done more than any other in(li\idual to promote
temperance among railroad men l>y the use (jf what is known as the
"white Initton." He has bad made a little white l)Ulton. in which
are the initials R. R. T. A. — Railroad Temperance .\ssociation — and
these buttons he gives to all railroad employes who will promise to
wear one and abstain from the use of liquor, lie has i)aid out over
five thou.sand dollars alone for these buttons, having distributed more
than two hundred and fifty thousand of them, and is still engaged in
the work, always having a supply of them when he travels. This
conspicuous little button is a constant reminder to the wearer that he
has given his word to abstain from the use of those beverages which
destroy manhood and render tiie individual unfitted for the perform-
ance of life's duties. A lasting monument to the work of Mr. Coffin
is seen in the home for the disabled and infirm railroad men at High-
land Park, Illinois, near Chicago. .\ll brotherhood railroad men are
eligible as members, the only requirement being that they contribute
as much as "the expense of one cigar a month. " This entitles any
brotherhood man in railroad employ, in case of accident or inability,
to a good home for life, containing all necessities and comforts. .\t
this time the work is progressing nicely under the guidance of Mr.
Coffin and the cooperation of the four railroad brotherhoods, the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the Brotherhood of Locomotive

160 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUxNTY

Firemen, the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and the Order of
Railway Conductors. These four orders have contributed to the home
and at the present time they are planning an eighty thousand dollar
fire-proof building as an addition to the present home. There are now
between sixty-five and seventy-five inmates. Mr. Coffin is the presi-
dent of the Railroad Employes" Home, and, more than that, he is the
friend of all railroad men, having a warm personal interest in their
welfare. The home is now complete and represents an expenditure of
about one hundred and forty thousand dollars.

Another important work which will stand as a monument to Mr.
Coffin's philanthropy is the home for e.K-convicts which he organized
and promoted in connection with other leading citizens of Fort Dodge
and the vicinity. In 189 1 he donated twenty acres of land and ten
thousand dollars in cash for the building, besides devoting a great
deal of his time to the work. Upon its completion it was one of the
finest structures of this character in \\'ebster county and it continued
as a convicts' home for six years, when the Anamosa penitentiary was
turned into a reformatory and here the work which Mr. Coffin had
begun was carried on. He, therefore, deeded the original building and
twenty acres of land to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of
Iowa, in order that they might there establish the Benedict Home,
which was formerly located at Des Moines. At tlie present time there
are thirty inmates of this institution and since its foundation it nas
cared for and relieved over thirteen hundred girls, all of whom have
benefited by the worthy and useful teachings of Mrs. McClelland, who
is the superintendent and directs the work of a number of assistants.
In the last few years Mr. Coffin has given much of his time and
attention to the promotion of a work in which he has always been
interested, namely, that of the spreading of temperance among all
classes, but esi>ecially among the railroad men. In the promotion of
this enterprise he has spent five thousand dollars for temperance badges
and has distributed o\-cr two hundred and fifty thousand white but-
tons which are the insignia of the cause. Mr. Coffin in writing of the
work which he has done in the Railroad Temperance Association, says :
"It is not yet two years since the white Ijutton started on its mission.
Now go where one will he finds it worn by railroad men wherever
a locomoti\e whistle is heard. That little pledge button for grander
manhood, pleads for happier homes, pleads for wife and children;
has been heard by thousands of brave, great-hearted men, who have
been true as steel to its meaning. The wearing of the white button is
the practical carrying out of the teachings of true brotherhood jirin-

HISTORY OF WRr.STI-R fOlXI^- u;i

ciples as taught in the lodge room. Tliere all are not only taught but
bind thenisehes under solemn obligation to care for the wives and
children of each brother. Everyone knows that the greatest enemy to
the family of a brother railroad man is the sakion. The wearing of
the white button by brothers who never go inside a saloon is a strong
and earnest appeal to a weak brother to keep out. It means that we
are defenders of home, that we love our future, our wives and our
children more than we do a saloon. It means that the great brother-
hoods of railroad men have escaped froni the saloon's fascinating
power."

Mr. Coffin has ever been a friend to the poor and needy, lu the
oppressed and the suffering, and. believing that the spark of divinity
is in e\ery individual and may be fanned into flame, he is ever ready
to extend a helping hand to those in need of either material or moral
assistance. His home while in Ohio was a station on the famous
underground railroad when slavery existed in the land and his strong
abolition principles led him to ally himself with the republican party
when it was formed to prevent the further extension of sla\ery. I U-
has since been one of its stalwart supporters.

To what church does he belong? We answer, to tlie church which
Christ founded when he said, "Go ye into all the world and preach
the Gospel," when he gave the mandate, "Bear ye one another's bur-
dens," and said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least
of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me." One of the most
interesting features of the Willow Edge Farm is its chapel, which he
built, about twelve years ago for the benefit of his daughter, who was
greatly interested in Sunday-school w(5rk. In connection with the
same is a circulating library for the community. Services are held
Sunday afternoons — held in the afternoon that they need not con-
flict w ith the morning or evening services of the city ciiurches. Pastors
and people of all denominations are welcome, and the gospel of Christ
— forgiveness and love — is preached. Along the same line of Chri.stian
liberality is his effective work in the Young Men's Christian Associa-
tion, in which almost each Sunday he addresses a meeting of this
organization.

His sympathies took the practical form of liberal financial sup-
port, for he contributed one hundred dollars to the building in Mar-
shalltown, Iowa, of the first Railroad Young Men's Christian Associa-
tion ever erected in Iowa. Mr. Coffin delivered the address of rledica-
tion and has since been actively intercstcti in the movement.

4

162 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUXTY

In business he has achieved splendid success, but the most envious
could not grudge him his prosperity so worthily has it been won, so
well used. He has builded to himself a monument more lasting than
stone in the freewill offering of grateful hearts.

Who can measure the influence of such a life?

"Our echoes roll from soul to soul
And grow forever and forever."

KXUTSOX BROTHERS.

.\dolph and Alfred Knutson, twin brothers, are operating one
of the most prosperous business enterprises in Badger, being engaged
in the implement and automobile business with which they have
been connected for the past seven years. This is only one of
the many important undertakings with which they have become
identified in the course of fourteen years of active business life,
during which time they have never separated their interests, work-
hig harmoniously together lo their mutual advantage. They
were born in Badger, August jH. 1877, and are the .sons of
Christopher and Anna (Arent) Knutson. natives of X'orwav.
The brothers were reared at home and were educated in the
public schools of Badger, finishing their education at Tobin
College in Fort Dodge, Iowa, .\fter coniiileting their studies
they engaged in farming in partnership, operating their father's
tract of land for five years. .\t the end of that time they
sold the property and went to North Dakota, where each took up a
homestead claim, wliich they still own. They combined their prop-
erties and operated the enterprise as one large farm, being en-
gaged at the same time in the buying and selling of land. After
two years they returned to Badger and established themselves
in the implement and automobile business, with \Yhich they have
been identified for the past seven years with constantly increasing
success. They also own and operate a cement block factorv anrl
own the building in which they are doing business as well as their
own home in the residence section of the village. They also own
a valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Badger
township. They have been in all the business relations of their

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 163

lives upright, straightforward and honorable and these qualities dis-
tinguish their private characters.

Adolph Knutsoii was married in October, 1909, to Miss Cora
Lund, a daughter of Rasmus and Anna (Christenson) Lund,
natives of Norway. Mrs. Knutson's father came to America with
his parents at an early date, locating in Badger township, Webster
county. When he grew to manhood he became identified with a
local railroad and later went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he fol-
lowed the same line of occupation for twenty years, returning at
the end of that time to Badger, where he purchased land. He
operated his farm for several years and only abandoned agriculture
in order to serve as sheriff, which office he still holds, .\dolph
Knutson and his wife have a daughter. Ruth C. who is a year and
a half old.

The two brothers affiliate with the republican party and .\llred
served as assessor of Badger township for three years and as justice
of the peace for two years. He also did able and effective work as
a member of the -town council. Both brothers are stockholders in-
the Fanners Elevator Company and in the Badger Telephone Com-
pany, and affiliate with the Improved Order of Red Men. the Modern
W'oodmen of America and the Loyal Order of Moose, being also
prominent in the Masonic order. They belong to the Lutheran
church. Th^ir relations have always been most harmonious and
their partnership productive of good results. Both are active, pro-
gressive and substantial business men with the ability to make
their enterprises successful. They do not neglect tbcii" duties
as citizens and though they are only thirty-five years of age, have
gained distinct prosperity which promises well for greater future
attainment.

LOUIS W. NEWDECK.

The agricultural and stock-raising interests of Webster county
found an able and successful representative in the late Louis W.
Newdeck, who owned and operated eight hundred and eighty
acres of land in Douglas townsiiii). He was born in St. .\ntliony,
now East Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the 3d of May, j8$j. His
parents were Louis and Catherine (Wolf) Newdeck. natives of
Germany, the father's birth having occurre<l in WurtcndicTg on

164 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Christmas day, 1821, and that of the mother in Westphalia, on
the 7th of December, 1826. Louis Newdeck emigrated to the
United States in 1842, first locating in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Prom there he went to Illinois, where he engaged in the cattle
business, following which he conducted a dry-goods store in
Stillwater, Minnesota. He subsequently became identified with
the lumber interests of St. Anthony, that state, being one of the
pioneer settlers of that vicinity. At the time of the Indian uprising
in 1862, he joined Anson Xorthrup's company organized among
the settlers, remaining in the service until the natives were sub-
dued and peace was once more restored. The next year he
crossed the plains to Helena, Montana, where he established a
cattle ranch. He remained there until the spring of 1864, when
he returned to Minnesota, but he later went back to the west, and
was killed by the Indians while crossing the plains with a load
of provisions for a mining camp in the gold fields of Idaho. He
was long survived by the mother, who died on the 14th of
April, 1881.

The boyhood and youth of Louis W. Newdeck were passed in
his native state, his education being obtained in the public schools
of Minneapolis. He was a promising and capable youth, and in
1870, at the age of eighteen years began his business career in
Duluth. Minnesota, where he owned and conducted a meat market
for a year. .\t the expiration of that time he went to Austin,
Minnesota, and there engaged in the same business until 1872,
when he removed to Red \\ing, Minnesota. He conducted a meat
market in the latter place for nine years with very good suc-
cess, and at the end of that period went to Minneapolis, where
he engaged extensively in the meat and cattle business until
T887. In the latter year he came to Webster county and pur-
chased eight hundred and eighty acres of fertile land in Douglas
township. The remainder of his life was devoted to agricultural
pursuits and stock-raising in both of which activities hg met with
more than an average degree of success. He bred Polled Angus
cattle, his herd numbering two hundred head, French coach
horses and Poland China hogs, all high-grade stock. He was
widely known throughout this part of the state as a stockman,
and had one of the best developed and equipped farms in the
county. He was a tireless worker, possessed more than average
foresight and sagacity in recognizing business opportunities and
was endowed Avith the diligence and enterprise that enabled him

HISTORY OF WECSTKR COUNTY 165

to successfully develop anything- he undertook. From early
youth he led a life of marked activity, and as his powers were
capably organized and intelligently directed he prospered in the
promotion of his interests.

On the 9th of October, 1878, ]\Ir. Xewdeck was married to Miss
Clara O. Eames, a daughter of Captain Obadiah and iMary (Bige-
low) Eames. The father was born in 1824 and died in 1881. while
the mother's birth occurred in 1837 and her death in 1904. Five
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Newdeck, Winnie E., Louis
M.. Harry W'., Mabel C. and Gertrude M.

Mr. Newdeck was prominently connected with the Masonic
fraternity, and in matters of religious faith he was a Methodist,
his widow and children also being identified with this church.
In politics he was a stanch democrat. Mr. Newdeck was one of
the foremost agriculturists of the county, in the progress and
development of which he took an active and helpful interest,
belonging- to that class of men, who in the development of their,
personal interests, never lose sight of their duties as citizens.

MRS. EMMA ROY.

^Irs. Emma Roy, who has been postmaster of Moorland since
1910, has made her home in Webster county for over ihiriy-
two years. She is a native of Missouri, her birth having occurred
in St. Louis in August, 1864. She is a daughter of Thomas and
Mary (Kerns) O'Melia, who were born in Ireland. The father
emigrated to the United States in early life, locating in St. Louis,
and was employed on steamboats plying on the Mississippi river
until 1866. In that year, he decided to seek his fortune in the
gold fields of California, and leaving his fami'ly in St. Louis went
to San Francisco. There he passed the remainder of his life, his
death occurring about 1870. He is survived by his widow, who
is seventy-one years of age and makes her home with her daugh-
ter, in Moorland.

The first sixteen years in the life of Mrs. Roy were passed
in St. Louis, her education being obtained in the public schools.
In 1880, she and her mother removed to Webster county, which
has since been their place of residence.

166 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNT Y

In the month of December, 1885. was celebrated tlie marriage
of Emma O'Melia to James Roy, a son of Peter and Mary
(O'Neil) Roy, natives of Canada. Of this marriage were born
two children: Frank, who is twenty-four years of age and a resi-
dent of Chicago; and Louise, who is twenty-two years of age,
a trained nurse of Des Moines, Iowa.

In religious faith the family are Roman Catholics. Mrs. Roy
is a capable woman and has many friends in Moorland, where for
two years she has held the office of postmaster, discharging her
duties in a highly creditable manner.

WILFRED E. ALTON, M. D.

, A progressive and enterprising mind scientifically inclined, a thor-
ough knowledge of surgery in all its intricacies, the power of deep
and continuous study and a firm faith in the present and ultimate use-
fulness of life are the qualities which make Dr. Wilfred E. Alton a
prominent and efficient physician. He is now practicing with rapidly
increasing success in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he is well known as a
representative member of his profession. He was born in Monroe
county, Wisconsin, December 4, 1863. His father, Joseph Alton,
was a member of a prominent family of that name, whose ancestral
home is in Athelstan, England. He was born on the ocean, the son
of an officer in the English navy. He went to New York with his
parents when he was still a child and was educated in the public
schools of the state- When he laid aside his books he immediately '
engaged in agricultural pursuits, residing for a short time in New
York, but subsequently removed to Wisconsin, where he remained
until 1872. In that year he went to Minnesota and settled on a
farm which he operated, improved and cultivated with much success
until his death, in March, 1906, at the age of eighty-^ix years. He
took part in the Civil war as a member of the Twenty-third Wiscon-
sin Volunteer Infantry, serving for one year, after which he re-
ceived his honorable discharge. He was an active participant in the
engagement with the Indians which has since become known as the
Spirit Lake massacre. In all the relations of life Joseph Alton was
distinguished by thorough honesty and integrity of purjwse and his
death caused widespread and genuine regret. His wife, Matilda

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HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 1G9

(Barrett) Alton, whose birtli occurred in Xew York state, died in
June. 1904, two years before the demise of her husband.

Dr. .\hon was nine years of age wiien his parents removed to
Minnesota. He receixed his primary education in tlie public schools
of that state and made use of every opportunity to expand his knowl-
edge. He was graduated from the Wadena high school and imme-
diately entered the State University of ^linnesota. He engaged in
teaching school from 18S6 until 1890. It was his desire to become
a member of the medical profession but he did not receive paternal
sanction to this plan. His father on the contrary wished him to be-
come a farmer and otYered him a section of land if he would remain
at home. He felt, however, that his opportunity was in the otlier
direction and refused to devote himself to agricultural pursuits. The
fact that his father would not give him a cent to aid him in prepar-
ing for practice did not cause him to lose heart. He knew that others
had been able to make their way through college unaided and re-
solved that he would also do so. In 1891 he began his studies and
in 1896 was graduated from the Chicago Homeopathic Medical Col-
lege. During the last year his living cost him on an average of nine
cents per day. He brought to his early studies in medicine a keen
and intelligent interest in the profession which he intended to adopt,
marked sympathy w ith the sick and suffering and broad humanitarian
principles. These qualities guided his actions and influenced his ca-
reer. When he laid aside his text-books to enter upon his profes-
sion he located at Estiierxille, Iowa. From 1896 to 1899 he remained
in that city and built up during these years an enviable practice, to
wliich he gave his entire time and attention. He came to Fort Dodge
in 1899 and has been one of the prominent and successful physicians
in tins city since that time. Dr. .\lton has at all times realized his
responsibility to the people whom he serves, and, desiring to advance
his professional attainments, in 1898 he entered the Chicago Poly-
clinic, pursuing a post-graduate cour.se in medicine until 1901 and
doing advanced special work in pathology under the al)le instruction
of the iiead of the surgical staff of that school. In his practice he lias
specialized to some extent in surgery. He was chief of the surgical
staff of the Webster City Hospital until 1905, when he became a
member of the surgical staff of the new St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
He is a member of the .\merican Medical .Association, tlie Hahne-
mann Medical Societies of Chicago and Iowa, and his name is well
known in all of these organizations.

Vol. 11—10

170 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

On March lo, 1898, Dr. Alton was united in marriage to Miss
Jennie A. Salisbury, a daughter of O. A. and Vestalina (Kenyon)
Salisbury. The parents were natives of New York and went to
Wisconsin in the early days of its settlement. In 1888 they removed
to Estherville, Iowa, where the father took a prominent part in busi-
ness and political circles until his death in 1905. He was a justice
of the peace for many years, making a most creditable record in that
connection. His wife is now living in the family home at Esther-
ville and has reached the seventy-sixth year of her age.

Politically Dr. Alton gives his allegiance to the prohibition party
and is always ready to give his support to its principles. He is a
member of the Independent Order of Foresters and of the Knights of
Pythias. He affiliates with the Order of Red Men and belongs to
the Royal .\rcanum and to the Ancient Order of I'nited \\'orkmen.
He and his wife are members of the Methodist church in Fort Dodge,
actively connected with religious work.

.\lthough deeply interested in his profession. Dr. Alton has not
allowed medical practice to narrow his mind into a set groove. There
is hardly ruiy field <if mmiicipal or commercial activity in Fort Dodge
in which his name is not prominent, and his reputation as a busi-
ness man is second only to his prominence as a physician. He owns
two thousand acres of land in Florida and an e.xtensive ranch in Ore-
gon, lie has in\esled in Oklahoma, Texas and Iowa farms and his
ventures have always been successful because they have been judi-
ciously made. He owns the beautiful residence in which he resides
at No. 1 2 17 Fourth avenue. North, Fort Dodge, and has extensive in-
terests in local industrial enterprises. He is a stockholder in the Iowa
Foundry & Machine Company, in the Lehigh Clay Manufacturing
Company and the Annony Company. He is distinguished in his
professional and business life by activity, industry and imwavering
integrity. While he has applied himself "tlosely to the practice of
medicine and to the conduct of important commercial interests, he has
also recognized the fact that the nature of a man's recreation is al-
most as important as the nature of his vocation and has given such
time to pleasures as to maintain an even balance with his professional
and business activity. He is an enthusiastic boatsman and has nearly
comijlelcd one of the largest motor boats e\er l)uilt in Iowa. It is
a torpetlo type cabin cruiser with staterooms which accommodate
twelve people and it is one of the most com])letely e(iuipi)ed vessels
of its kind in the middle west. Dr. Alton contemplates making a
trij) down the Mississippi to the gulf and is looking forward to this

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 171

vacation with enthusiasm and eagerness. His friends are numbered
in every rank of Hfe in Fort Dodge and his life is influenced by genial
friendliness and by his recognition of the truth of universal brother-
hood.

JOHX H. EASTMAN.

In 1898 John H. Eastman came to Barnum and opened the first
bank in that \illage, founding it upon standards of conscientiousness
and honor and gaining his reward in quick success. He is well known
in local financial circles as a prosperous private banker, being identi-
fied with the conduct of his original enterprise. He was born in
Goodhue county, Minnesota, December 22, 1865, and is a son of
Ransom and Phoebe (Grain) Eastman, the former a native of Ohio
and the latter of Indiana. The father went to Wisconsin at an
early date and remained in that state for some time, going later to
Minnesota, where he purchased land. He improved and operated
his farm until his death, which occurred in the spring of 1867. His
wife later married W. G. Rundell, who followed farming for some
time but later operated a stave factory in Fillmore. Minnesota. After
four years he engaged in the egg and poultry business in Spring
Valley, in the same state, and for eight or ten j'ears was successful
in this enterprise. He then moved to South Haven, ^lichigan. where
he owns and operates a fine fruit farm. He is a veteran of the Civil
war, having enlisted at ihc time of President Lincoln's second call
for volunteers in Company C, Third Minnesota Infanlry, and served
until the close of the war. He is now seventy-six years of age and
is still active and successful.

John H. Eastman began his education in the public schools of
Spring Valley, Minnesota, and later entered the Oskaloosa, (la.)
Business College, graduating from that institution with the class of
1888. Immediately afterward he obtained a position as clerk in a
clothing store and after eight months of this connection returned
to Spring Valley, where he kept books for his stepfather for three
years. His banking experience began at the end of that time, when
he obtained a position as bookkeeper in the bank at Spring Valley
and did able and systematic work for two years. In i8<}4 he went
to Callender, Iowa, and formed a partnership with F. D. Calkin.s,
formerly county auditor of Kossuth county, in the operation of a
private bank. They also engaged in the lumber business and were

172 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

successful in both enterprises. They sold their interests in 1898,
in which year Mr. Eastman came to Bamum, where he opened the
first bank in the village, which lie still operates. It is a private enter-
prise and is conducted along the progressive, yet conservative lines.
Mr. Eastman understands the details of present-day banking, while
his systematic mind and his up-to-date methods have been factors in
his success. The enterprise is capitalized at fifteen thousand dollars
and is rapidly expanding. ]\Ir. Eastman is interested in various
local business concerns, holding stock in the Barnum Telephone Com-
pany, of which he was a director and treasurer for six years. He is
also identified with the Iowa Land &,Live Stock Company of Fort
Dodge and owns property in Minnesota and also town lots in Barnum.
He erected the building which his business occupies and owns his
attractive and modern home and other property in the village. He
is also engaged in the implement business here and has a large aiul
increasing patronage. He is one of the heaviest taxpayers in the
community, always making his wealth serve worthy ends.

At Algona, Iowa, on October 15, 1897, ^^''- Eastman was united
in marriage to Miss Luella W'artman, a daughter of S. S. and Maggie
(Clancy) Wartman, natives of Canada. In his political affiliations
Mr. Eastman is a progressive republican and served for eight years
as a member of the town council and is at the present time town
treasurer. He held a similar position in connection with the school
board for about ten years, during which time he did able work along
educational lines. He is identifieil with the Modern Woodmen of
America and the Knights of Pythias, holding a membership in the
latter organization in Minnesota. Mr. Eastman belongs to the Con-
gregational church. He is an active and industrious citizen, a man
of good business ability, and as a banker he commands the confi-
dence and trust of his depositors. He has worked for success but
counts its attainment secondary in importance to the methods and
standards by which it has been eflfected.

JOHN M.VRTIX MLLROXEV.

John Martin Mulroney is one of the older settlers of Webster
county, living retired at the southwest corner of Third avenue
and Seventh street, in Fort Dodge. His has been a somewhat
eventful life in which unfaltering effort, perseverance and ability

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 173

have brought him creditable and well earned success. He is now
eighty years of age for his birth occurred in County Kilkenny,
Ireland, near Callen, November ii, 1832. His parents, Patrick
and Alice (Brophy; .Mulroney, are also natives of County Kil-
kenny. The father was a farmer by occupation and on coming to
America left his wife in Williamsburg, New York, while he went
to Pennsylvania, prospecting for a favorable location. While
there, however, he passed away at the age of sixty years. His
widow remained in New York until her children were partly
grown, after which she came to the middle west and died in
Emmettsburg, Iowa, at an advanced age. Both were members
of the Catholic church. In their family were eleven children,
seven sons and four daughters, as follows : William, Bridget,
Mary, Edward, Patrick, Thomas, John M., Catherine, Kieran,
Joseph and Margaret.

John Martin Mulroney spent his early youth in Williamsburg,
New York, and attended school there. He was afterward at
Wolcotte and New Haven, Connecticut, and worked in the forests,
making ties for the Naugatuck Railroad. On removing westward
to W^isconsin he settled near Mineral Point and engaged in haul-
ing- lead to Galena, Illinois. While in Galena he and his cousin.
T. H. Tobin, grubstaked a claim for a couple of men, who for it
gave them an interest in their flatboat on the Mississippi river.
Mr. Mulroney then went up the river to cut cedar posts and
pickets which he sold in Dubuque, Iowa. The ne.xt spring he
and his brother Edward and Mr. Tobin made a trip to California
by way of the Nicaragua route. This was in 1850. From Nicara-
gua they traveled partly on foot, partly on mules and partly by
steamer to their destination. .After arriving in San l->ancisco
they hired out to a farmer who had l)een an old sea captain, to
help him cut his barley, for which they received nine dollars per
day. They worked for him for about six weeks and then wci\t to
the gold mines on the east branch of the north fork of the
Feather river. At that time the territory in which they were lo-
cated had not yet been sui)divi(led into counties and lynch rule
was the law of the land. As history shows it proved a good law,
as it prevented many depredations, compelled the u.se of good
language and the display of respect for one another and their
rights. Then, too, when justice had to be administered it was
done summarilv and the culprit was placed where he could harm
no one again. During the first three years Mr. Mulroney spent

174 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

in the mountains he did not see a white woman nor a white child,
nor a dead person, that had died a natural death. In the Ameri-
can valley seven miles away lived a Mr. Stark with his family,
who removed there from Missouri. His eldest daughter, about
fifteen years of age, was known by all the men of that district as
Sister Betsey and if anyone said a word about her it was at the
peril of his life, such was the chivalry toward and respect paid
to the women of the west in that early day. When Mr. Mul-
roney and his comrades went to California they carried their
tools and supplies on their backs but the next year a pack train
was started and the charge of ten cents per pound was made
for packing. Their diet consisted of pork. Chili beans and Chili
flour twenty-one times a week! Because of that, scurvy broke
out among them but the next year they managed to get potatoes
and were advised to eat them raw, which they did. This sup-
plied a dietary need and from that time on the men got along
nicel}^ At length they became owners of a pack train and while
engaged in packing for some time they also continued to work
their gold mine and did very well in their business. In 1857 Mr.
Mulroney and Mr. Tobin came to Iowa, settling in Palo Alto
county, and upon its organizati(jn in the fall of 1838 Mr. Mul-
roney was elected county treasurer and recorder, the two offices
being at that time connected. He served altogether for eight
years and then retired. While there he was also postmaster of
Soda Bar and was justice of the peace. \\ hilc filling the latter
position he performed the marriage ceremony for the first couple
ever married in that county.

When the Indians broke out in open warfare in Jackson and
New Ulm, Minnesota, about this time, and massacred a number
of white settlers, Mr. Mulroney, his brother and a Mr. Tobin
took three horses and went as far as Estherville, Iowa. There
they were joined by a Mr. Ridley, who took one of their horses
and they proceeded to the seat of trouble to assist the white men.
When they arrived at their destination, however, the soldiers
had arrived from Spirit Lake before them and the trouble was
over. They met wagons on the way toward the south which were
filled with wounded and they also met a company of volunteers
of about thirty men on the way to Jackson from Fort Dodge,
Iowa, and on their way back notified them that the trouble had
passed. These Indians were the last seen in this state except
those which have become civilized. Mr. Mulroney then re-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 175

Uirned home and although he had been too late to be of any
actual help, his desire to help must be just as highly estimated
as if he had been of actual service.

In 1868 Mr. Muhoney came to Fort Dodge and traded a large
number of cattle for an interest in a general store. He was thus
engaged in merchandising in this city for thirty years or until
he retired, occupying a prominent place as a leading and pro-
gressive merchant of the cil\. W ith its upbuilding he was iden-
tified almost from the beginning and his labors have ccinstituted
an important clement in the work of ])ublic progress. He and
si.x others, namely: John V. Duncombe, A. McBane, E. E. Prus-
sia, a ]Mr. Grant, (ieorge R. Pearson, and G. W. Hassett built
the -Minneapolis & St. Louis Rai'road from Fort Dodge, then
called the h'ort Dodge & h'ort Ridgley Railroad, construct-
ing about forty miles of that line and operating the cars as
far as Humboldt. They afterward sold the line to the Min-
neapolis & St. Louis Compan\- but in coniiection with .\lr. l"ur-
long and Mr. London graded the road fi-om l'"ort Dodge t(j Cla-
rion. His labors have always been of a character that has con-
tributed to public progress and improvement. Aside from com-
mercial and industrial activity he became identified with financial
interests and is now the vice president of the hirst Xational
I^>ank of Fort Dodge.

In 1858 Mr. Mulroney was married to Miss Jane Evans, a
daughter of Jeremiah and Hannah (Onimby) Evans. They be-
came the parents of eight children: :Mary. the wife of Edmund
O'Connell, of Bloomington, Illinois : Josephine, deceased; Kieran ;
William, of h'ort Dodge: Joseph R. and Dr. Charles H., also resi-
dents of Fort Dodge; Edward C. of Missoula, Montana, where
he is practicing law; and Lewis .\.. making his home in Fort
Dodge. She and her husband were the first couple married in
Humboldt county and she passed away in 1882 at the age of
thirty-eight years. In 18X4 Mr. Muboney married again, his
second union being with Hannah I'.urns, a daughter of Patrick
Burns. There were three chihlren born of that marriage, of
whom two are now living, Frank and Robert E., of Fort Dodge,
both of whom are students in the University of Iowa, at Iowa
City. The daughter Anna died when she was hut a year old.
Mr. and Mrs. Mulroney are members of the .Sacred Heart Catholic
church of Fort Dodge, Iowa.

176 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

In politics Mr. Aliilroney has always l)een a democrat but has
never been an active politician, although he has held several local
positions. He has preferred to concentrate his time and energies
upon his private business affairs which have been capably man-
aged and have brought to him a measure of success which is
gratifying. His business methods have always been such as would
bear the closest investigation and scrutin\- and he has enjoyed
in large measure the trust and good-will of the puldic.

CHARLES B. HEPLER.

Architecture in its broad aspect of municipal building carried
on along artistic lines, has for many years occupied the atten-
tion of Charles B. Hepler, to whose energy and skill in this
profession Fort Dodge owes a great deal of her civic beauty.
Mr. Hepler is a native of Philadelphia, in which city his birth
occurred on Noveniber 6, 1850. His jjarents were Samuel and
Christina (Boyd) Hepler, both natives of Pennsylvania. The
father was born in Philadelphia and kept the tollgate at Perkio-
menville, Montgomery county, for over fifty years and spent all
his life in that city. His death occurred there and there his wife
also passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hepler were the parents
of two children: Charles B., the subject of this sketch; and Kate,
now Mrs. Freed, residing in Atlantic City.

Charles Hepler received his early education in the public schools
of Philadelphia. He pursued the usual course of study until he
was twelve years of age. At that time, influenced by the rumors
of wealth and adventure to be found in the west, he ran away
from home and came to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he immedi-
ately obtained a position in the office of Fred FVost, one of the
leading architects in Fort Dodge. Thus it was that the future
career of Mr. Hepler was determined, lie early gained a knowl-
edge of the principles of architecture and showed a decided talent
in this line. He remained with his original employer, Fred Frost,
until 1878, when he became associated in business with a Mr.
Brown for about five years and so continued until he established
himself in business independently in b'ort Dodge and built up
through many years of active life a flourishing and successful
business. He planned, designed and erected a great many of the

HISTORY OF WlilSSTER COL'NTY 177

finest dwellings in Fort Dodge and gained such an eminent repu-
tation that when the government l)ui!ding was under considera-
tion he was appointed inspector. The present magnificent struc-
ture is evidence of his ability and efficiency along this line. It
is one of the finest government buildings in the state of Iowa
and architecturally perfect in every detail. Mr. Ilepler also acted
as inspector of the county courthouse. He remained in l*"ort
Dodge, becoming more prominent and successful with every
year of his life in this city, until 1907 when he went to Sioux City
and accepted a position with Curtis Brothers, architects and
manufacturers, and remained in that capacity for three years.
He is now residing at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, being e.xpert
in the branch house of the Farley-Letcher Company. The home
office of this company is in Dubuque. Iowa, and during the period
of Mr. Kepler's connection with their affairs their growing busi-
ness reflected credit upon his ability and professional attainment.
In July, 1871, 'Sir. Heplcr w.is united in marriage to Mary
(Wright) Jenkins, a daughter of William Henry and I'.liza
(Chase) Wright. Mrs. Heplcr"s father was born in Ohio and her
grandfather in Virginia, wiiile her mother was a native of Xew
York. They were all affiliated with the Quaker religion, and
during the years immediately preceding the Civil war were
obliged to move to Ohio in order to avoid living in a slave state.
They were stanch abolitionists by personal conviction and also
on account of their religious principles. The father later went to
Pikes Peak in the days of the Colorado mining boom and became
successful as a miner and property owner in that sectmn. lie
eventually removed to California and became a substantial and
representative citizen of Sacramento. He was elected sheriff of
the county and was the first man to bold that office, .\ftcr five
years of residence in California .Mr. Wright came to Iowa and
located in West Liberty. Here he engaged in business with
his brother as proprietor of a general store, with which he was
connected for one year. He later sold his interest to his brotiier
and bought a farm near West Liberty, which he improved and
cultivated until his wife died in i86r. In that year Mr. W^right
removed to Cedar Falls and accepted a position with the Wells
Fargo Express Company as messenger. This was long before
the days of railroads and Mr. Wright's duties consisted of driving
a stage between Cedar Falls and Dubuque and between Cedar
Falls and Sioux City. He held this position until 1868 when he

178 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

went in the railroad contracting business in partnersiiip witii a
Mr. London. They were employed by the Illinois Central Rail-
road to grade their tracks in the vicinity of Fort Dodge. Mr.
AWight's actixities extended tive miles east and five miles west
of the city, and the thorough and capable work which he did
won him high recognition. He lived in Webster county for some
time and became prominent in county politics. He was elected
sheriff of that county and served as marshal for a number of
years. He was also identified with various other ])ul)Iic positions
and was one of the representative men of this district. He went
to the Black Hills in South Dakota during the first days of the
discovery of ore in that region and took up a claim there. He
became well known as a publisher and editor. He operated and
managed the leading journal in Ra])id City and was later con-
nected with the Deadwood Times for fifteen or twenty }ears.
His health finally failed and after a period of invalidity he was
stricken with ])ncumonia and dietl at Lead City. South Dakota,
in November. i88j. Mr. Wright's activities in \arious fields of
endeavor always met with a gratifying degree of success. He
became well known and prominent wherever he lived and his
death removed from the state of South Dakota one of the infiucn-
tial forces in its development.-

To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hepler were born four children: Grace
\\'., who married C. H. Smith, a proiuinent politician of h'ort
Dodge and well known for his activities in the city council under
the commission form of government : .\nna W.. the wife of James
W. Leslie, of Seattle. ANashington ; Carl R.. who is now man-
aging the Magic and Princess theaters in F'ort Dodge; and Fred
Chase, who passed away in September. 1880.

Previous to her marriage with our subject Mrs. Hepler had
been the wife of Andrew Jenkins, whom she married in August,
1868. He was prominent in the livery business in Fort Dodge
at one time and was successful later as an employe of a
Milwaukee bridge company, which was spanning the Rock Rapids
with a modernly constructed bridge. When that work was com-
pleted they commissioned Mr. Jenkins to drive to Sibley, Iowa,
for payment. The journey was twelve miles long and had to be
made over unimproved roads and in the dead of winter. A ter-
rible blizzard overtook the party and Mr. Jenkins was frozen to
death. By her former marriage Mrs. Hepler became the mother
of two children: Albert, who resides in Fort Dodge, where he

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 179

follows the trade of carpentering; and Markoe, who is an engi-
neer for the Illinois Central Railroad with residence at Freeport,
Illinois.

Although Mr. Hepler's business keeps him a great part <if the
time in Sioux Falls, he is a loyal citizen of Fort Dodge and main-
tains his residence in this city. He has erected a beautiful home
at 1234 Si.xth avenue, south, which is one of the most comfortable
and commodious in the city. Mr. and Mrs. Hepler are well known
in social circles and are among the prominent and popular resi-
dents of Fort Dodge. Mrs. Hepler is a charming and hospitable
woman with a remarkable degree of culture and literary attain-
ment. She is interested in history and is known as an authority
upon the contlitions of early jMoneer settlement in the middle
west.

Politicall) r^Ir. Hepler keeps himself indepentlent of lines and
parties. He is a firm believer in indixidual right of judgment
and always votes for the man regardless of his affiliations. Mrs.
Hepler is a member of the Society of Friends, which was the
religion of her father and forefathers. Mr. Hepler does not affil-
iate with any particular form of l)clief. He molds his life ac-
cording to principles of high-minded honor and integrity and
is well known in Fort Dodge as a man of exemplary character.
In all the lines of his activity he is well and favorably known
by reason of his professional attainment and the high and intelli-
gent quality of his citizenship.

FR.^NCIS FRANKLIN LUTZ.

Francis F. Lutz follows the trade of tiling in Duncombe, Iowa,
and also conducts a pool hall in that city. His career has come to
final success after a long period of vicissitudes and the prosperity
which he has attained is a credit to his native sagacity and indus-
irv. Ho was Ixjrn in .\ew ^'ork city. December 25. 1858, and was
left an orphan when only four years of age, being too young to re-
member even the names of his parents. He was put in the
Soldiers' Home in his native city and after a slmrt time was
adopted by George Gilmore, of Brovvnstown, Illinois, who for live
years reared and educated his charge. .\t the end of that time
Mr. Lutz was taken from his guardian by the Illinois .-om.k <„,

180 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

account of the latter's cruelty. He then entered the home of
Frank Steinhowe, a farmer and brewer of Vandalia, lUinois, and
here he remained for fourteen years. He was seized with yellow
fever and was ordered to another climate, going eventually to the
Black hills of South Dakota. Here he learned ditching and when
he had fully recovered his health went to Clinton, Illinois, where
he resided for eight years, following railroading the greater por-
tion of the time. Subsequently in 1895. he came to Duncombe,
where he worked at his trade of tiling, in which he has been suc-
cessful in all for twenty-five years. In the last year he has laid
eight hundred rods of tile upon the farms around Duncombe and
expects to continue this business after the harvest of 191 2. In 1905
he opened a pool hall in the city in which he resides and this he has
since conducted successfully.

On January 10, 1886, Mr, Lutz was united in marriage to Miss
Anna G. Brown, a daughter of Miles and Mary Etta Brown, natives
of Harristown, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz became the parents
of fifteen children, of whom the following are deceased, Roy,
Minnie Belle, Walter E.. Lilly and Lincoln. Those who sur-
vive are, .\rthur, Mary. luirl, Printhia, Bea, Libby, Anna Rose,
Miles, Robert and Franklin.

In his political views Mr. Lutz is republican and has served as
marshal of Duncombe for five years. He belongs to the Methodist
church, and is a member of the local lodge of Modern Woodmen of
America. lie has a comfortable home in the city where he has
resided for seventeen years, gaining the respect and esteem of his
friends by reason of a life which has been made successful through
his own efforts and by reason of straightforward principles which
ha\e been retained through unusual hardships.

THOMAS J. HALLIGAN.

Thomas J. Halligan, who is cashier of the Bank of Moorland,
where he is also engaged in buying live stock, is one of the fore-
most citizens of Fulton township, where he holds the title to
three hundred and thirty-seven acres of land. A member of one
of Webster county's pioneer families, he was born in Elkhorn
township, on the 28th of March, 1881. He is a son of Anthony
and Anna (Trainor) Halligan, the former a native of Wiscon-

HISTORY OF WEI'.STRR COL'XTY 181

sin and the latter of Ireland. The father reninved to Iowa about
i860 with his parents, who located in the vicinity of Dubuque,
and there resided for many years. In 1872. he drove across the
Iowa prairies to \\'ebster county and began farming for himself
as a renter. .\i the expiration of seven years he had accumu-
lated sufficient nione\- to enable him to buy land and he pur-
chased a hundred and si.xty acres in I-"ikhorn township. Here he
continued his agricultural pursuits with more than an average
degree of success, adding to his holdings as the years jjassed until
he held title to fi\e hundred acres. The further improvement and
cttltivation of his land engaged his attention until 1897. when he
left the farm and came to Moorland. He here engaged in stock-
buying for about five years, but at the end of that time moved on
a farm in Fulton township, where he is now living retired. 1 he
mother is deceased, having passed away in 1881.

The son of an agriculturist and born on a farm, the boyhood
and youth of Thomas J. Halligan were passed very much as
those of other lads who are reared in rural districts. At the
usual age he began his education in the district schools, con-
tinuing his course of study in Tobin College at Fort Dodge. After
leaving school he returned home and together with his four
brothers organized and established a private bank known as the
Bank of Moorland. They all assist in the operation of the enter-
prise, which is one of the thriving financial institutions of the
county. In connection with his duties as cashier Mr. llaliigan
engages in buying stock and directs the cultivation of his tme
homestead. It comprises a hundred and seventy-seven acres of
land and is located just outside the corporate limits of Moor-
land. He takes great pride in his farm, which is one of the best
improved and most attractive properties in this vicinity. He
also holds the title to a quarter section of land located four miles
from Moorland, which he rents out. His time and energies have
always been intelligently expended and despite the fact that he
has not attained the age of thirty-two years, yet he is re-
garded as one of the foremost business men and most capable
agriculturists in the township.

In OctobeV, 1906. Mr. Halligan was married to Miss Rose A.
Byrne, a daughter of Michael \V. and .Anna (Andrews) Hyrnc.
natives of Ireland. Three children were born of this marriage,
as follows: Mary Fern, who is in her sixth year: Lawrence P..
who is in his fifth year; and one. who died in infancy. Mrs.

182 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Halligan passed away on the loth of Marcli, 1912, after a brief
illness.

In matters of religious faith Mr. Halligan is a Roman Cath-
olic and his wife was also a communicant of that church. In poli-
tics he is a democrat and stanchly supports the men and meas-
ures of that party- He has served as a member of the town
council and at the present time is treasurer of both the town board
and school board. Mr. Halligan takes an active interest in all
local industries, particularly those affecting the agricultural sec-
tions and is one of the stockholders of the Coo])erative Cream-
ery Compan}' of Des Moines. He is a young man of tireless
energy, determination of purpose and laudable ambition, which
commendable qualities are rapidly leading him on to the goal
of achievement and will ultimately rank him high in the list of
the county's representative citizens.

CHRIS CHRISTENSEN.

Chris Christensen is manager of the Badger branch of the lum-
ber l:)usiness conducted l)y j. H. Oueal & Company, ha\ing risen
to this responsible position in a short time by hard work, energy
and persistent attention to the interests of his employers. .Since
191 1 he has operated a restaurant in the same city and is meet-
ing with his usual success in this field of activity. He was born
in Denmark, Januar\- 8, 1876. and is a son of Lars and Johanna
(Jensen) Christensen. The father was a stonecutter and worked
at his trade in Denmark, where his death occurred in May, 1908.
His wife is still living in her native land.

Chris Christensen was reared at home and was educated in
the public schools of Denmark. At the age of si.xteen he emi-
grated to America, locating in Ringstead, Iowa, in 1892. He ob-
tained employment as a farm hand and gained his livelihood by
this work for several years. He was thrifty and ambitious and
saved his money so that he was soon able to rent a farm near
Ringsted, which he operated and improved for two years. He
then moved into the village and became engaged in the draying
business which after a year he abandoned in order to work in a
luml)eryard in a humble position. After four months' service
in this capacity his employers sent him to Lone Rock in order

HISTORY OF W ELISTER COLXTV 183

to take charge of a yard operated by J. H. Oueal & Company.
Here he did such efficient and practical work that after four
years he was transferred to Badger, where he has since been
general manager of the brancli house. In 191 1 Mr. I hristensen
added to his activities liy starting a restaurant whicli he still
conducts.

On March 16, 1898, Chris Ciiristensen was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Jepson. a daughter of Nels and Anna C. Nissen Jep-
son, natives of Denmark. To Mr. and !\Irs. Christensen have
been born three children, Thora, .\lbert and Clarence, aged re-
spectively twelve, ten and five years.

Mr. Christensen owns the buikling in which lie conducts his
business and the property on wliich it stands and is one of tiio
progressive and enterprising citizens of Badger. He belongs to
the Improved Order of Red Men and to the Modern Woodmen of
America, affiliating also with the Danish Brotherhood. He is
a believer in the Lutheran religion. In liis political views he is
a consistent republican and has served as town clerk for several
years and also did able work as school director. He is one of the
promising young business men of Badger, active in promoting his
own success but at the same time mindful of his obligations as
a citizen. He has made the two business enterprises with which
he is connected successful by always seizing any favorable oppor-
tunit)^ for expansion and by adhering faithfully to high standards
of personal and commercial honor.

L. VERXE MILI.1:R.

L. Verne Miller, assistant cashier of tiie Savings Hank at Dnn-
combe, is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurreil in
Hamilton county on the iStli of .\ugust. IcSSj. His parents are
John and Amelia (Woodward) Miller, the former a native of Iowa
and the latter of the state of Xew \ork. John Miller was only a
boy when he located in Hamilton county with his parents. There
he was reared to manhood and when old enough to begin work-
ing, turiu'd his attention to agricultural pursuits, and by reason of
his diligence and thrift subsequently ac(|uired a farm of his own.
The cidtivation and improxcmenl of his land engaged his undi-

184 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

vided attention until 1910, when he retired to Webster City, where
he and his wife are still residing.

The first twenty years in the life of L. Verne Miller were
passed under the parental roof, his time being largely devoted to
the acquirement of an education. Upon terminating his school
days he engaged in teaching, being identified with this profes-
sion for six years. He next accepted a position as relief clerk
in the postoiifice at \\'ebster City, following which he became
cashier for the Illinois Central Railroad Company. He served
in the latter capacity until May 2, 191 1. when he resigned to
accept the position of bookkeeper in the Duncom])e Savings
Bank. In the fall of the same year he was promoted to the office
of assistant cashier, his services in this connection having proven
to be highly acceptable. Mr. Miller is a young man of genial
disposition and accommodating maimer and by reason of his
unfailing courtesy has become very popular with the patrons
of the bank.

Fraternally he is affiliated with Elmo Lodge. No. 63, I. O. O.
F., of Webster City. He takes an active interest in local politics,
giving his support to the republican party and is treasurer of
the school board. General efificiency. fidelity to duty and unques-
tionable integrity are the most striking characteristics of this
young man, who enjoys the esteem and respect of a large circle
of Duncombe's citizens.

.\RTHUR L. RICHARDS.

Arthur L. Richards has been a resident of Vincent since 1892 and has
been engaged in various important business enterprises in the village
since that time. He is one of the well known, progressive and enter-
prising business men of the section and his activities which are al-
ways of a constructive kind, have been factors in local development.
He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1854, a son of Edwin
C. and I hilena (Shaw) Richards, natives of Massachussetts. His
father was a musician and followed this line of occupation for almost
fortv years. When he came to Iowa he located in Chapin, Franklin
county, in 1875. ^""^^ there taught a large music class. He also pur-
chased land and operated his farm until his death, which occurred
in 1886. His wife passed away in 1883.

MRS. ADDA .1. lUCIIAIiDS

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 187

Arthur L. Richards was reared and educated in Ohio. When he laid
aside liis books at the age of sixteen he came to Iowa with his par-
ents and after a short time began farming, cultivating the soil until
he was twenty-five years of age. Subsequently, in 1892, he came to
\'incent and in partnership with Anderson Brothers bought an eleva-
tor, of which lie had charge for a number of years. He has recently
been engaged in handling stock and makes frequent trips to Canada
to buy high-grade animals. He gives his allegiance to the repub-
lican party and for eleven years was postmaster of \'incent.

On August 2.2, 1872, Mr. Richards was united in marriage to Miss
Ada J. Riddle, a daughter of T. C. and Sarah (Colt) Riddle, the
former a native of New- York and the latter of Niagara Falls. Her
mother was born on the farm, upon which one end of the suspension
bridge over the Niagara river was afterward built. For some time
her father operated a small boat on the Erie canal and continued in
this line of activity until 1857, when he came with his family to Iowa
and located at Grinnell. From there he went to Franklin county,
where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he
improved and developed until his death on February 24. 1876. His
wife is still living in the eighty-sixth year of her age and makes her
home with the subject of tiiis review. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have
four children : Edwin C, who is engaged as a tinner and plumber at
Waverly, and who married Miss Maude Burbank: Sarah I., the wife
of John Arnold, a real-estate dealer in Fort Meade, Florida; Alberta
M., who married Frank Arnold, agent tor the Chicago & Great
Western Railroad at Thornton; and Clarence A., who is attending the
Fort Dodge business college, and who is also assistant ix)stmaster of
Vincent. Mrs. Richards is one of the prominent and well known
women of the village in which she resides and is not only an ex-
emplary wife and moiiier but a remarkably able business woman.
She is a stockholder in the Vincent Savings Bank and in the Vincent
Telephone Company and also for some years assisted her husband in
the operation of a hotel barljershop and livery business. On .\ugust
22, 191 1, she was appointed postmistress of Vincent and has since
served in that capacity, discharging her duties ably and conscien-
tiously.

Mr. Richards is well known in local fraternal circles, holding mem-
bership in the Modern W^oodmen of America, the Independent Order
of Odd 1-ellows and the Masonic order, while his wife holds member-
ship in the Order of the Eastern Star. He sened for eleven years as
postmaster and was also the town marshal for several years. He and
Vol. n— 1 1

188 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

his family belong to the Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. Richards
own much valuable property in Vincent, including several fine business
lots and the postoffice building. They ha\e also a three hundred acre
farm in Canada and are interested in various local enterprises, all of
which are important and remunerative. They are among the most
prominent and highly respected citizens of Vincent, where both are
well known in business and social circles. In spirit and interests they
are representative of the highest standards and their lives and activ-
ities have been useful and valuable in various directions.

CHARLES VICTOR LUXDBERG.

Charles Victor Lundberg is a worthy representative of tlie
mercantile interests of Dayton, where he has won the success that
invariably rewards honorable business methods when followed
with diligence and perseverance. He was born in Andover,
Henry county, Illinois, on the 4th of December, i860, and is a
son of Jonas P. and Johanna Matilda (Price) Lundberg. The
parents were both natives of Sweden, and there they were mar-
ried. When Jonas P. Lundberg was a little lad of five years his
mother died and he was reared by his grandmother until he was
deemed old enough to learn a trade. At the age of eight he
entered the service of a local tailor, with whom he remained until
he was grown. After the expiration of his period of service he
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and w'ent to work
for a farmer at eighteen dollars per year and his clothing. In
accordance witii the requirements of the country two years of his
early manhood were spent in the Swedish army, following which
he again engaged in farming. The hard work and meager wages
and apparent hopelessness of advancement, served to make him
most discontented with his lot and in 1852 he emigrated witii wife
and family to the United States. Upon his arrival in this country
he located at Andover, Illinois, where for some years thereafter
he w^orked as a laborer. By reason of thrift he accumulated
sufficient means to enable him to engage in farming, and he tlien
rented a place which he operated until 1875. In the spring of
that year he came to Webster county, and rented a farm in Day-
ton township. The next year he removed to Grant township,
Boone county, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUXTV i89

land, which he cultivated during the remainder of his active life.
There he passed away on March 12, 1894, at the age of seventy-
seven, his natal year having been 1817. The mother is still liv-
ing and continues to make her home on the old farm in Boone
county. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Lundberg numbered thir-
teen, as follows: John A. and Jonas A., both deceased; Charles
Victor, our subject; Gustaf L., a farmer of Clay townshii), tliis
county; Andrew ^\'., deceased; Frank O., who is fanning in
Cooper township, Webster county; Christine S.. the wife of Gus
Hemstrom, a farmer of Bertraml. Nebraska : Peter O. and Han-
nah, both deceased ; Theodore L., who is a farmer of Grant town-
ship; Edwin, who is a resident of Riverside, California; Emily,
who is at home with her motlier ; and Gilbert, who died in infancy.
The family always attendetl tlie Swedish Lutheran church, of
which the father was a member while tlie mother is still affiliated
with this organization.

The first fifteen years in the life of Charles Victor Lundberg
were passed in his native state, to whose district schools he is
indebted for his education. After laying aside his text-books he
assisted his father with the work of. the farm until he was nine-
teen, when he started out to earn his own living. He returned
to Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand for a year, and then
came back to Dayton and entered the employ of the Chicago &
Northwestern Railroad as a construction hand. During the suc-
ceeding two years he followed the carpenter's trade in Dayton,
but at the expiration of that period he accepted a position as clerk
in the store of John Lundeen for two and one-half years.

In 1886 he entered upon a clerkship with Samuel Burnquist. Sr.
Mr. Lundberg continued to retain his position until the death
of Mr. Burnquist in 1895. He then liecamc associated with J. .\.
Burnquist, a brother of his former employer, and together they
purchased the stock from the heirs. Five years later. Mr. Burn-
quist sold his interest in the business to his nephew, Samuel
Burnquist, Jr., who is still in partnership with Mr. Lundberg.
Their establishment is one of the oldest and most successful
commercial enterprises in the town, and is favored with an ex-
cellent patronage. The store is operated under the name of i'.urn-
quist & Lundberg and is conducted in accordance with a policy
that has won them the confidence of the entire community. They
carry a large and varied assortment of general merchandise, which
they ofTer at reasonable prices, and as their goods are always

190 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

found to be exactly as represented they are enjoying a gratifying
trade. Mr. Lundberg has prospered in his undertakings and
in addition to his interest in the store is a large stockholder in the
First National Bank of Dayton, of which he is president.

Mr. Lundberg ^as married on the i8th of October, 1893, to
Miss Emma M. Peterson, a daughter of Nels and Christine Peter-
son, natives of Sweden. The father emigrated to the United
States in his early manhood and located in Henry county, Illi-
nois, and there for several years he farmed as a renter. Later
he came to Iowa, purchasing eighty acres of land in Webster
county, and as his circumstances warranted he increased his hold-
ings until they aggregated four hundred acres. F'or many years
he industriously applied himself to the further improvement and
cultivation of his land until he abandoned active farm work and
removed to Dayton, where he passed away in November, 1906.
Mr. Peterson was married twice, his second union being with
Mrs. Caroline Linderholni of Dayton. Three children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Lundberg, as follows: Byron Irwin, who
graduated from the Dayton high school with the class of 191 1,
living at home; Frances Irene, who is attending high school;
and Esta Mildred, who is going to the kindergarten.

The political support of Mr. Lundberg is accorded to the re-
publican party. He represented his ward in the town council
for six years and since September. 1903. has I)een treasurer of
the local school board. He is one of the intluential and prominent
citizens of the town, where his long and successful connection
with the various business interests has proven liim to I)e a man
of marked capability. His career has not been distinguished by
any extraordinary or spectacular acliievcnicnt> Init it lias been
characterized by steady progress and substantial development,
giving assurance of permanence and stability.

THOMAS K. PETER.SOX.

Thomas K. Peterson is a native of Norway but has l)een in
America since he was eight years of age. He was a ])oy of fourteen
when he came to Badger township, where he is now numbered
among the well known and representative citizens. During the
period of his residence here he has been identified with various busi-

HISTORY OF WEHSTER COUNTY 191

ness enterprises and has held his present position as cashier of tlie
Badger Savings Bank since 1894. proving himself during that time
an able and systematic financier and an honest, upright and straight-
forward man. Mr. Peterson was born in Norway, August 6, 1868,
and is a son of Knud and Christina (Ostius) Peterson, natives of
that country. The father farmed in Norway until 1876, when he
came to the United States, settling in Champaign county, Illinois,
where he purchased land. He bought eighty acres and moved upon
his property, wliich he improved and operated until the spring of
1882, when he disposed of his farm and came to Webster county.
Iowa, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres in Badger
township. This land is now included in the corporation limits of
the town of Badger and upon it the father of our subject carried on
agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in March, 1892.
His wife survived him until November, 1898.

Thomas Peterson was eight years of age when he came to America
with his parents. He completed an education begun in Norway in
the public schools of Champaign county, Illinois, and in Badger
township, Webster county, finishing his studies at Highland Park-
College in Des Moines. When he had completed his course he
returned to Badger and accepted a position as clerk in a general
store belonging to H. P. Hanson and after a year's activity in this
capacity purchased a half-interest in the enteqirise. For two years
he continued this identification, after which he accepted his present
position as cashier in the Badger Savings Bank. In that capacity
he has acted with increasing success since 1894 and he is also a
stockholder and director in the institution. The bank is the only
one in the village of Badger. It was organizetl on June 8, 1889,
under the name of the Bank of Badger, which title was later
changed to the State Bank of P.adger. In 1894 it was reorganized
under the name of the Badger Savings Bank with a capital stock
of ten thousand dollars, which in 191 1 was increased to twenty-
five thousand dollars. Its officers at the i)resent time are: C. W.
Maher, president; C. Knudson. vice president; and T. K. Peter
son, cashier. Mr. Peterson has been a valuable addition to the
institution with which he is connected, i^v he understands bank-
ing thoroughly, is careful and conservative but at the same time
progressive, and his individual success has been n factor in the
prosperity of the bank.

In June, 1898, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss .Xde-
\ine Knudson, a daughter of Christopher and Anna C\rcnt)

192 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Knudson, natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have four
children, Kenneth C, Clara A., Gladys P., and Lloyd O., aged
respectively twelve, eleven, nine and six j^ears.

In his political affiliations Mr. Peterson is a firm republican and
has been active in local affairs since he took up his residence in
Badger. He was the first mayor of the village, in which capacity
he is now serving, and for years filled the office of secretary of the
school board, laeing at the present time treasurer of that organiza-
tion. He belongs to the Lutheran church. That he has been
successful in business and judicious in his in\estments is evidenced
by the fact that he now owns his father's home place of one hundred
and sixty acres on section 15, Badger township, and a fine dwelling
in the village, surrounded by twelve acres of land. He is also the
proprietor of two hundred and forty acres in Clay township and
is managing his affairs and promoting his success by reason of his
qualities of energy, diligence and honesty, characteristics which the
United States welcomes so eagerly in its adopted citizens.

JOHN HANRAHAX.

John Hanrahan. who has been identified with various business
interests in Clare and Webster counties and other points, was
born in Ireland, in December, 1850. He is a son of John and
Bridget (Morgan) Hanrahan, also natives of the Emerald isle.
The family emigrated to the United States in 1864, first locating
in Pennsylvania. From there they removed to Dliljuque, Iowa,
and after fi\e or six years residence in the latter place came to
Webster county. Here the father made iiis home with his chil-
dren until his death, which occurred in iXcj;. Tiie motlier passed
away in 1884.

John Hanrahan, who was a youth of fourteen years when he
accompanied his parents to America, obtained his education in
his native land. After the famih- located in Dul)U(iue lie went
to work on the railroad. l)ut was later emplox'ccl on a steamer
on the Mississippi. Together with a brother he subsecpiently
engaged in railroad contracting for five years, meeting with a
good measure of success. He and his brothers next purchased
four hundred and forty acres of land in Jackson townsJiip. this
county, and turned their attention to agricultiu-al pursuits. This

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 193

farm is now one of the valuable properties of Webster county
and is in the possession of the family of one of the Hanrahan
brothers. After nine years of cooperative farming, Mr. Hanra-
han disposed of his interest in the place and coming to Clare
went into the hotel business. He followed this occupation for
seven years, and then engaged in the saloon business. The lat-
ter enterprise engaged his attention for fifteen years, at the e.K-
piration of which time he sold out and opened a pool room. He
is still conducting the latter place and in connection with it sells
soft drinks and also handles cigars. Mr. Hanrahan has acquired
extensive realty interests, owning farms in South Dakota, Canada
and Texas, and also his business property, a fine residence and
several residence lots in Clare.

In April, 1883, Mr. Hanrahan was married to Miss Mary Mor-
gan, a daughter of Patrick and Mary ( McXamara) Morgan, na-
tives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Hanrahan have five children:
Morgan J., who is a practicing attorney of Winnipeg, Canada;
Odessa M., a stenographer in Des Moines; Leo M. and Char-
lotte M., who are at honic ; and James, who passed away in
1902.

The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church,
and fraternally Mr. Hanrahan is affiliated with the Knights of
Columbus of Fort Dodge. He is a democrat in politics and under
Cleveland's administration served for four years as postmaster.
He has served on the town council and has also discharged the
duties of assessor in Jackson township, and has filled the office
of town clerk. Mr. Ham-ahan is a genial man of generous im-
pulses and has many friends in Clare and the surrounding country
where he is widely known.

W n.I.I.\M OLIVER FORSBERCi.

William Oliver Forsberg. who owns and operates one «»f the
fine.st threshing outfits in Webster county, has passed the greater
part of his life in Dayton township, where he is now residing. He
was born in Sweden on the 4tli <'f January, 1875, and is a son of
Peter and Martha (Erickson) F<.rsberg. 'l-fic parents were born,
reared and married in Sweden, the father's nat.il day being in
,846 and that of the mother in ^f^^^. Peter I-orsberg. who was

194 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

a carpenter, emigrated to the United States with his family in
1880, locating in Dayton. Here he established a shop and con-
tinued to follow his trade for four years. In the spring of 1884,
he removed to Bassett, Rock county, Nebraska, and homesteaded
a hundred and sixty acres of land. He did not survive long there-
after, his death occurring in the autumn of 1884. The mother
with her family remained on the farm for eight years. At the
expiration of that time she rented her place and returned to
Dayton, where she still resides.

As he was only a child of five \'ears when he emigrated to the
United States with his parents, William Oliver Forsberg has but
little recollection of -the land of his birth. At the usual age he
entered the public schools of Dayton, which he attended until
the family removed to Nebraska. There he continued his studies
during the winter months and assisted with the work of the farm
during the summer until he was seventeen. In 1892 he returned
to \\'ebster county with his mother, who located in Dayton. Dur-
ing the succeeding five years he worked out as a farm hand and
followed such other pursuits as enabled him to earn an honest
living. He was enterprising and thrifty and during that time
he managed to save enough from his earnings to enable him to
purchase a half interest in a threshing outfit. Three years later
he bought his partner's interest in the business and has ever
since been alone. As he is a capable man, and thoroughly de-
pendable and trustworthy, he has built up a very good business,
and now operates one of the most completely equipped outfits in
the county.

Mr. Forsberg was united in marriage to Miss Louise Ek-
lund. a daughter of Gustavus A. and Josephine Eklund and a
native of Sweden. The parents were also natives of Sweden,
the father's birth occurring in 1853, and there they were married.
They emigrated to the United States in 1882, settling on a farm
west of Dayton in Dayton township. There the mother passed
away and the father subse(]uently went to northwestern Iowa,
locating in Palo Alto county, where he farmed as a renter for
six years, and then bought eighty acres of excellent land. He
has ever since devoted his energies to the further improvement
and cultivation of this place and now owns a valuable and at-
tractive farm. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fors-
berg. as follows: Wihner, Mikhen. Melvin. ( iladys and Chester.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 195

Mr. Forsberg is a member of Dayton Camp. M. W. A., and
votes the republican ticket. He is one of the progressive citizens
of Dayton township, wiiere his diligence and energetic methods
and his reliabiHty in matters of business fully entitle him to the
respect and esteem of liis crimmunitv.

SVEXD P. SWANSOX.

Svend P. Swanson. who engages in general farming and stock-
raising on an eighty acre tract of land located on section y of
Dayton township, was born in Xorthern Gilland, Denmark, on
the i6th of September, 1858. He is a son of Peter and Magda-
line (Ciiristensen) Swanson, likewise natives of Denmark, where
for many years the father engaged in farming. Me is still liv-
ing on the old home place, but the mother passed away in 191 1.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Swanson numbered twelve, as fol-
lows: Annie, who is at home with her father in Denmark; Kris-
ten, the wife of Tom Larson, a farmer in Virginia; Hannah, de-
ceased; Christina, the widow of Peter Morris, of Council P.lutTs,
Iowa; Svend P., our subject: Andrew, wlm is a resident of Mis-
souri Valley, Iowa; ]\linnie, who married H. P. Johnson, a farmer
of Kearney county, X'ebraska : Lawrence, a farmer of Harrist)n
county, Iowa; Trena, who married James Morris, a merchant
and the postmaster in Stork, Minnesota; Knute. who died in
the Danish army ; and two children, who died in infancy.

Svend P. Swanson was reared on the farm where he was born
and educated in the schools of the vicinity. He assisted his fatiier
in tilling the fields and caring f(^r the crops until he was twenty-
two years of age, when he decided that the future held but little
promise for him in his native land and resolved to come to
America. ,He had several sisters living in the United States, so in
1880 he took passage for this country, with Council Bluffs. Iowa,
as his destination. Soon after his arrival there he ..bt.iined work
on a farm, where he was employed for four years. .\t the expira-
tion of that time he returned to Council Bluffs and worked in a
restaurant for two years. He was next employed as a coachman,
but he gave this up five years later and went to Washington.
He followed various pursuits there for two years, then returned
to Council Pduffs and worke.l f..r a year. In 1S04 he went to

196 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Harrison county, Iowa, and purchased a farm comprising eighty
acres and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He met
with very good success in the cultivation of his land, but he
rented his place in 1898 and came to Webster county, Iowa. Here
he subsequently bought his present place on section 9 of Dayton
township. This also consists of eighty acres, all of which is under
cultivation and in a high state of productivity. Mr. Swanson is
a very enterprising man of progressive methods as is manifested
by the well kept appearance of his farm and the e.xcellent condi-
tion of his stock. He uses good judgment in the direction of his
activities and gives his personal supervision to every detail con-
nected with the operation of his farm, and as a result there is
a general air of thrift and prosperity about the place that sug-
gests capable and efficient management. As his circumstances
have warranted he has improved his farm and in 191 1, he erected
an attractive and comfortable residence and a large, substantial
barn, both equipped with all modern appointments. He is the
owner of one of the most valua1)le ])roperties in the comnnuiity
and is numbered among the prosperous and substantial citizens
of Dayton township.

On the 24th of May, 1894, Mr. Swanson was united in mar-
riage to Miss Emma Swansen, the event being celebrated at Lo-
gan, Iowa. She is a daughter of Johan Peter and I^Iarie (Mun-
son) Swansen. The father is deceased Init the mother makes
her home in Dayton. Mr. Swansen was born at Hvetlanda
Parish, Sweden. September 11. 1828. and there he was married
in the fall of 1834 to Miss Munson. It was his desire to become
a citizen of the L'nitcd States and on the 14th of September. 1868,
together with his eldest son he took passage for the United
States. He worked diligently during the succeeding two years,
and in 1870 sent for the other members of his family. Upon
their arrival he located at Altona, Illinois, where he resided until
i88j, when he removed to Dayton township, and engaged in
farming. In 1898, he retired to Dayton and there he passed away
on the t.4th of April, 1900. Mrs. Swanson. who was a child of
seven years when she emigrated to the United States with her
mother, was the fifth in a family of eight children, born to her
parents, the others being as follows: Sojihia and Christina, both
of whom are deceased; Johan, who is a resident of California:
Caroline, who is deceased ; Marie, of Dayton : AVilliam T.. who
is living on the old homestead in Dayton township: and Charles

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 197

F., also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Swauson liave one child, l-"lor-
ence, whose birth occurred on tlie 31st of March, 1895. She has
been a student in the puJilic scliools of Dayton for the past cis^lit
years and graduated from the high school in June, 191 2.

Fraternally, Mr. Swanson l)elongs to the Modern Woodmen
of America, and his political support he gives to such men and
measures as he deems best c|ualified to subserxc the highest in-
terests of the community. He is now serving his tenth year as
school director. Mr. Swanson has led a (|uiet, unobtrusive life,
but his untiring diligence and his faithful discliarge of all the
duties and responsibilities of citizenship, as well as the integrity
and high principles he has manifested in his business transac-
tions, has won him the respect and esteem of his entire com-
nninitv.

ALVIX EMERSO.X ll-.X .\".\XT.

Alvin Emerson Tennant. wlm has been a resident of hurt Dodge
for more than a third of a century, lives at Xo. ijjo Central ave-
nue and has been in the service of the CJleson Drug Company as
bookkeeper for about twenty-six years. His birth occurred in
Xew .Milford, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, on the 291)1 of
March, 1840, his parents being W illi.im W . and I'lioebe (Lewis)
Tennant. The father was born in Rhode Island on the 24th of
fanuary, 1804, while the mother's birth occurred in Hartford,
Connecticut, on the 24th of June. iSoS. .Mr. and Mrs. Oliver
Tennant, the paternal grandparents of our subject, lucd to a
ripe old age. Their children included Oliver, William, Abigail,
Merrily, Nancy and Frances. The maternal grandfather was a
sea captain and met his death while at sea in early manhood. His
wife, Mrs. Marv Lewis, passetl away in Sus<|iiehanna county.
Pennsylvania. Their children iiuhuld Thurston, Lebeaus. Ko],-
inson, Joseph, Phoebe, Sallic and Mary.

William \Y. Tennant, the father of Alvin E. Tennant, was a
farmer by occupation. In early manhood he went to i'cnnsylva-
nia, purchased two hundred and sixty acres of timber lan.l in
Susquehanna county, cleared an<l imi-rovcd the properly and
reared his family thereon. In 1K67 he and his wife came to Web-
ster county, Iowa, and here they spent the remain.ler of their

198 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

lives, passing away in Burnside township. Mr. Tennant died on
the 22d of September, 1879, when more than seventy-five years
old, and his wife was called to her final rest in 1883 at the age of
seventy-five. Both were devoted members of the Baptist church.
To them were born seven sons, as follows: Orange \\'. and
George W., both of whom are deceased; John A\'., a resident of
Webster county, Iowa; Lewis W., living in New ]\Iilford, Penn-
sylvania; Alvin Emerson, of this review; William Rile3^ of Fort
Dodge ; and Austin D.

Alvin Emerson Tennant was reared on his father's farm in
Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, and there attended the com-
mon schools in the acquirement of an education. In i860 he re-
moved westward to Lee county, Illinois, and there was engaged
as a farm hand for one year, on the expiration of which period
he worked on the Mississippi river. In the fall of 1863 he re-
turned to Illinois and enlisted for service in the Union army of tiie
Civil war, becoming a member of Company C, Seventh Illinois
Cavalry, and remaining at the front to the time of the cessation
of hostilities. He enlisted as a private and was detailed as a
clerk under Colonel Flint at General Palmer's headquarters in
Louisville, Kentucky, where he was honorably discharged. After
the close of the war he returned to Illinois and followed farming
in Lee county until 1867, when he came to Iowa, settling near
Burnside. He afterward spent three years in Nebraska liut since
1878 he has made his home in Fort Dodge. He has been con-
nected with the Oleson Drug Company in the capacity of book-
keeper for aliout twenty-six years. His long retention in the em-
ploy of this firm is unmistakalile evidence of liis aliility. fidelity
and trustworthiness. He formerly was in tiie service of tiie
Fort Dodge National Bank for several years.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr.
Tennant chose Miss Eva M. Tripp, who was I)orn at .\mlioy,
Illinois, on the iith of Septeml)er, i85(). her parents l)eing Ralph
O. and Satirah fPowell) Trijip. natives of New York and To-
ronto, Canada, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. David Tripp, the pa-
ternal grandparents of Mrs. Tennant, had the following children :
Ralph, David, Hannah, Lorette, Philosia and Laura. Her ma-
ternal grandparents, William and Catharine Ann Powell, lived to
reach the ages of sixty-five and ninety-eight years respectively.
Their children were five in number. Satirah. James, Marv. Eliza
and Maria. Ralph O. Tripp was taken to Illinois when but four

HISTORY Ul" WEUSTER COLXTY

199

years of age, and his wife was a maiden of fourteen years when
she took up her abode in that state. They came to Iowa about
1868. Ralph O. Tripp was a farmer by occupation and during-
the period of the Civil war served as a private in an Illinois resi-
ment for nearly two years, being mustered out at tiie close of
hostilities. His demise occurred at Liscoml), Iowa, in 1898.
when he had attained the age of sixty-six years, while his wife
was called to her final rest in 1884 at the age of forty-eight
years. Mrs. Tennant, who is their only child, is the mother of
six children, Inez RI., Blanche .M.. Alvin l-'.ari, W-ra. .Marie and
Ralph.

Alvin Emerson Tennant gives his political allegiance to the
republican party and fraternally is identified with the Ancient
Order of United Workmen. He retains pleasant relations with
his old army conn-ades through his membership in Fort Donelson
Post, G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Tennant and five of their children
are members of the Christian church. The ]iarents have a host
of warm friends throughout the community and justly merit the
regard and esteem which is uniforndv accorded them.

ALBERT EDWARD ACKER, M. D.

Dr. Acher is one of the thoroughly prepared and successful
physicians of Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he has been engaged in
the general practice of his profession since January i, 1907. He
was born near Napoleon, Indiana, November 23, 1878, and is a
son of John and Martha Magdalene (Flick) Acher. The fath.er
was a native of Prussia, Germany, and emigrated to America iu
1859, settling first in Minnesota, where he was engaged in farm-
ing. At the opening of the Civil war he answered the call of his
adopted country to defend the flag of the Union and enlisted in
the Minnesota volunteer infantry for the entire period of the
war. At the close of that great civil conflict he was honorably
discharged and returned to his home in Minnesota, from which
he later mo\ed to Napoleon. Indiana, where he purchased land
located near that city and on that j)ro|)erty followed farming
until the close of his life, which occurred in \SH(}. His widow
remained with her children on the farm until 189J. when she
established her residence in Napoleon, where she now resides.

200 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Dr. Acher was reared at home and received liis early education
in the public schools of the district in which he lived, and was
graduated from the Napoleon high school with the class of 1894.
During his years as a student in the public schools he prepared
himself for teaching and for three years was engaged in that
work in Webster county in the district near his home. Indus-
trious and economical in his habits, he was able to save a sutificient
sum with which to pursue for one year a literary course in the
State University of Indiana and later he took up the study of
medicine in the medical department of that university, from which
he was graduated with the degree of M. D. (regular) in the
class of 1905. Immediately following his graduation he served
for one year as interne in the Deaconess Hospital in Indianapolis.
He then made his first location as a practicing physician at Xora,
not far from Indianapolis, where he remained for si.x months,
after which he came to Fort Dodge, Iowa. On January i, 1907,
he opened an office in the Reynolds block on Central avenue and
there engaged in the general practice of his profession. When
the new First National Bank building was completed he removed
his offices to more suitable rooms which he found located at
Nos. 511 and 512 in that building, at which place he has since re-
mained. The ofifices contain every convenience suited to the prac-
tice of his j)rofession. having a well appointed reception room which
is jointly used by the subject of this review and Dr. W. K. Bates.
In the ])raclice of medicine at Fort Dodge, Dr. Acher has met with
well merited success and has already taken a prominent i)lace among
his brother practitioners in the field.

In June, 1906, Dr. Acher was united in marriage to Miss Marna
Pierson, a daughter of John C. and .Martha J. ( b'owler) Pierson,
the former of German descent and a native of Pennsvlvania. and
the latter a native of Ohio. The father was engaged in the con-
tracting and building business and for many years was one of the
best known contractors of Indianapolis. In that city he has
erected some of the largest business blocks and many of the
buildings which now helj) to adorn and make l)eautiful the capital
city of Indiana. He was also the builder of the famous Tom
Taggart Hotel at French Lick, Indiana. His death occurred in
Indianapolis in May. 1910. and his widow still maintains her
residence in that city. To Dr. and Mrs. .'\cher three children
were born: John Chandler, born May ig. 1907; Martha Jane.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY l>()1

who was born February i, 1909, and ditnl May .'3, 1910; and
Chiron Chester, born January 9, 1912.

Dr. Acher is a member of the Webster County Medical So-
ciety, of which he is serving his first term, as president, and also
belongs to the Iowa State Medical Society and the American
Medical Association. He is affiliated with the democratic party,
and fraternally is a member of Ashlar Lodge, No. iii, F. & A.
M., of Fort Dodge. He also belongs to the Fort Dodge Lodge.
No. 248, A. O. U. \\'., also the lodge of the Loyal Order of
Moose, and is a member of the Sons of Herman. Dr. Aclier is
already recognized as one of the successful physicians of Fort
Dodge and he has long since gained the respect of the citizens
of that place and is looked upon as one of the reliable and desir-
able members of the community in which he lives. The home of
Dr. and Mrs. Acher is located at No. 708 North Sixteenth street
and here their many friends are always assured of a cordial
greeting.

E. T. DAVIDSON.

E. T. Davidson, who has been the incumbent of the office of
postmaster in Duncombe for the past three years, was born in
Hamilton county, this state, on the 29th of April, 1877. He is
a son of Thomas and Isabelle Davidson, natives of Norway. The
father came to the United States in 1866, first locating in Illi-
nois, where he worked out by the month as a farm hand for live
years. At the end of that time he continued his journey westward
to Iowa, settling in Hamilton county. After engaging in farm-
ing there as a renter for several years, he removed witii his
family to Webster county and here he has ever since lived.
Shortly after his arrival he bought eighty acres of land in Colfa.x
township, diligently applying himself to its further improvement
anfl cultivation until 1909. In the latter year he disposed of his
farm and he and the mother removed to Duncombe.

E. T. Davidson was reared in his native county and educated
in the common schools. .\s usual with lads living in the country
he was early trained to agricultural pursuits, remaining at home
and assisting his father with the operation of the home place
until it was sold. More and more of the responsibility con-

202 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

nected with its cultivation devolved upon him until several years
before coming to town he had entire charge of the property.
Soon after they located in Duncombe he was appointed post-
master and is still serving in that capacitj', having proven to be
a competent and efficient man for the office.

In October, 1904, Mr. Davidson was married to Miss Jessie
Nelson, a daughter of X. J. and Mary Nelson and to them have
been born two children: Mae. who is six years of age; and
Curtis, who has passed the second anniversarj' of his birth. The
family are members of the Lutheran church.

Mr. Davidson votes the republican ticket, and has served as
clerk of Colfax township, while residing there, and is now secre-
tary of the school board. He owns his residence and is one of
the stockholders and \ ice president of the Farmers Savings
Bank of Duncombe, one of the well established and thriving
financial institutions of the county. Mr. Davidson is well liked
by the citizens of the community generally, as he is gracious and
accommodating and satisfactorily meets the many demands on
his office.

EDWARD KENDALL.

Edward Kendall, who is living retired in Badger, has been for
many years prominently connected with the agricultural and
business development of the section in which he resides and is
an honored veteran of the Civil war. He has been enterprising,
straightforward and honorable in all relations of his life and de-
serves the rest which he is enjoying because he has earned it
by diligent and long-continued labor. He was born in Ashby,
Massachusetts, April 19, 1841, and is a son of John E. and Laura
A. (Kendall) Kendall, natives of that state. The father was
a carpenter by trade and spent his entire life engaged in that
occupation in Massachusetts. He died in Ashby in 1903, having
long survived his wife, who passed away in 1841.

Edward Kendall pursued his studies in the public schools of
his native city, continuing his education there until he was nine
years of age. At that time he left home in order to live w-ith an
uncle in Peru. Illinois, where he resumed his lessons. In 1856
our subject's Uncle Bradford Kendall moved to Otho township

KnWAKI) KKNDALL

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 205

— buying- a quarter of a section and lived tliere three years. The
uncle then returned to Peru, but our subject remained and worked
as a farm hand. At Fort Dodge on August 20, 1861, Edward Ken-
dall enlisted in Company A., Eleventh Volunteer Cavalry, and
served for three years and two months, taking part in various im-
portant engagements. He was shot in the right leg at South .\nna
Bridge, eight miles from Richmond, Virginia, and so seriously
disabled that he is troubled by his wound at tlie present time.
On October 20, 1864. he received his discharge and returned to
Iowa and worked as a fireman on the Chicago & Northwestern
Railroad for a year, going at the end of that time to Fort Dodge,
where he drove a stage for some time. He later obtained employ-
ment by the month as a farm laborer, being active in this capacity
for several vears before he was able to rent land. This he eventu-
ally did and followed farming in this way for two years. .\t the
end of that time he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of
land in Newark township and began its cultivation. He farmed
along the most progressive and systematic lines, improving his
property to the best of his ability, erecting new buildings and
mstalling modern machinery. He remained uixm this tract of
land until 1890, when he sold his holdings and moved to Badger,
where he engaged in the buying and selling of horses, .\fter
eleven years of activity along this line he retired but still makes
his home in Badger, where he owns a comfortable and attractive
residence and has many acquaintances and friends.

Mr. Kendall, has been twice married. In 187.^ he wedded Miss
Clara Kitchen and they became the parents of one child. Myrtle,
who was burned to death in Chicago in September. 1907, the
accident being- caused by the ex])losion of a gasoline stove. Mr.
Kendall's first wife passed away in 1878 and on l)ecend)er 4.
i88j, he was united in marriage to .Miss Lucretia Roy. a daughter
of Robert and Mary ( Rudman ) Roy. the former a native of
Scotland and the latter of Indiana. The father was a shoemaker
by trade and came to this country when he was twenty-one years
of age, settling in Indiana and later in Iowa, where he followed
his chosen occupation at .\lgona. Sul)sequently he moved to
Livermore and after many years' residence in that city finally
established himself in Rolfe, where he died in 1897. having sur-
vived his wife by ten years. Mr. and Mrs, Kendall have four
children: Laura, who married Clarcr.c;- Thompson, a fanner

206 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

of Badger township; and Frank E.. Edna G. and \'erne D., all of
whom are living at home.

Mr. Kendall is a republican in his political beliefs and has served
with ability and conscientiousness as a member of the village
council. He was assessor of Newark township for some time
and also acted as school director. He is an adherent of the
Presbyterian church and a member of Fort Donelson Post, G. .A.
R., being numbered among the worthv and honored x'eterans of
the war of the Rebellion.

WILLIAM BARROW MAN.

\\ illiam Barrowman is one of the well known merchants of
Lehigh, Iowa, of which city he has been a resident since 1881.
He was born near Glasgow, Scotland, June 4, 1841, and in his
native land received his early education. He emigrated to Amer-
ica in 1869 and settled first in Henry county, Illinois, where he
took up work as foreman of a coal mine. He later removed
to Lehigh, Iowa, and at once engaged in coal mining with the
Crooked Creek Coal Company. Afterward he owned and oper-
ated a coal mine of his own for a time and later leased a mine from
the Crooked Creek Coal Company. He subsequently retired from
mining and established himself in the restaurant business, where
the town hall now stands, in Lehigh. He remained in that loca-
tion in business until the time of the great hre at Lehigh, which
destroyed all of the business houses in that part of the town, and
he then removed to the west side of the town and located at a
point half way up West Hill and there conducted a restaurant
until he had completed a new brick building on the site of his
original location. In the new building he opened a general mer-
cantile store, to which he ga\e his attention for two years, after
which time he sold the Iniilding to the town for the purpose of a
town hall. He then purchased his present store, which is lo-
cated on the summit of the West Side Hill, opposite the new
high school building. The property was formerly known as Silas
Smith's old store. In that property the sul^ject of this review has
since successfully conducted a general merchandising establish-
ment.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 207

Mr. Barrowmaii was tirst nianioil in Scotland to Miss Chris-
tiana White, and they were the parents of thirteen children, seven
of whom are living, Christiana, Jane, Margaret, William, David,
Robert and Charley. The mother of this family died at the age
of forty-five years and was buried in Otho cemetery. The father
was later married to Mrs. Constance (Bennett) Retallick, who
was the widow of John Retallick and a daughter of John and
Constance (Dunstan) Bennett, who were natives of England.
Mrs. Barrownian Ijy her first husband is the mother of one child.
John C. Retallick. and to Mr. and Mrs. Barrowman one child
has been born, Hypatia Barrowman. Mr. Barrowman has served
as mayor of Lehigh for several terms but for the past twenty-live
years he has been at heart a socialist and not interested in present
political issues as advocated Ijy the old political parties. He was
one of the early pioneers of Lehigh, having settled in that town
at a time when the entire mercantile business was conducted from
three small stores, one of which was located on the east side and
two on the west side of the river, and the bridge to connect the
two parts of the town had just been completed. Since his resi-
dence in Lehigh he has always enjoyed the good-will and esteem
of his fellow citizens and is a man who has always identified him-
self with every public measure intended to advance the business
and educational interests of the citv in which he lives.

.\. .\i. I)a\\i.i-;y.

A. M. Dawley was the builder uf the tirst frame house in Fort
Dodge and with the history of the city in its upbuilding and devel-
opment he was closely associated as the years passed on. He
saw the possibilities here and utilized them not only for his own
benefit but for the welfare of the community at large. an<l his
name i."!, therefore, inseparably interwoven with the reconis of
Webster county. He was born in Chiliicotlu-, ( )hi(), .March n).
1830, and was one of a family of three sons and a daughter, whose
parents were Thomas and Eliza CHook) Dawley, both of whom
were natives of Virginia. The father was a merchant and was
identified with commercial interests in Virginia until he deter-
mined to remove to Ohio, liecoming one of the earU' settlers of
the latter state. In pioneer times he would raft his goods down

208 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans and he lost his
life while on one of those trips when his children were very
small. His wife survived him many years and it was in the late
'60s wiien slie was called to her final rest. Their children were
John, Thomas, A. M. and Catharine Dawley.

A. M. Dawley was reared to manhood in his native state and
supplemented his early education acquired in the public schools
by a course in Mann College, being graduated from the law
department. Aljout 1852 he removed to Granville. Illinois, and
in February, 1855, was there married. In March, of the same
year, he brought his bride to Iowa, settling in Fort Dodge. He
brought with him a stock of dry goods and opened a store in a
log cabin a block west of the present site of the Duncombe Hotel,
which was also his ])lace of residence for a few weeks. He built
the first frame house in Fort Dodge on the present site of the
Duncombe Hotel, hauling the lumber from Boone. The family
occupied that place for about two years and afterward the house
was moved to the eastern outskirts of the town, where it still
stands. It was later found, while excavating for another build-
ing, that the house originally stood on an Indian graveyard, which
was not known, however, at the time, but in excavating many
bones of the Indians were exhumed. In 1857 Mr. Dawley erected
a large brick residence where the K. C. building now stands and
following his demise his widow built a large frame residence ad-
joining. He passed away in 1885 and this frame building was
erected in 1886. It now stands on South Tenth street, just south
of the Wahconsa Hotel.

It was on the 8th of February, 1853. that Mr. Dawley was
married to Miss Ellen Parker, who was liorn in Calais, Maine.
March 31, 1833, a daughter of Dr. Charles and Susan (White)
Parker. Her father was born in Livermorc. Maine, and was a
son of James and Phoebe Parker, the former a soldier of the
Revolutionary war. In his family there were eight children,
namely: James, Jesse, Simon, Charles, Benjamin, Xancy, Sarah
and Phoebe. Dr. Charles Parker was for many years a practicing
physician at Calais, Maine. He afterward removed to Houghton,
Maine, and sul)sec|ucntly lived at Shickshinny, Pennsylvania,
where he died in 1882, when more than seventy years of age. His
wife had passed away in 1835, when in young womanhood. They
were members of the Universalist church and they had two chil-
dren, the elder daughter being Augusta, the wife of Horatio

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 209

Sprague, now a resident of I'rairie \'ie\v. Kansas. To Mr. and
Mrs. Dawley were born four sons, l-rank. the eldest, is an able
lawyer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He married Margaret Elizabeth
Jacobs, of Fort Dodge, and they have four children, Fred, Cath-
arine, Marion and i'rances. Ciiarles, the second son of the family,
is a court reporter of Chicago. He married Renette E. Love, of
DeKalb, Illinois, and they have a daughter, Helen. Fred, the
third of the family, died at the age of six years. Harry passed
away at Tucson, Arizona, when thirty-six years of age.

The death of the husljand and father occurred in Washington,
D. C, on the 24th of February, 1885, when he was about fifty-rive
}'ears of age. He and his wife had traveled life's journey happily
together for about thirty years. They held membership in the
Lniversalist church and always displayed sterling qualities of
character, yir. Dawley was the first justice of the peace in Fort
Dodge and was appointed register of the United States land of-
fice at Fort Dodge in 1869 and filled the position until the follow-
ing year. He practiced law here for many years, becoming
recognized as an able and learned attorney, and he also developed
and improved a farm three miles north of Fort Dodge, although
he did not make his home thereon. The last years of his life were
spent in aiding to secure legislation for the Des !\Ioines river land
settlers and this kept him the greater part of the time in Wash-
ington, D. C. The River Land Bill for which he had labored so
persistently finally passed the house of representatives the day
before his death. He was a forcible public speaker, strong in
his convictions, patriotic and fearless in his citizenship and a
man of great force of character. He correctly judged life and its
opportunities and made good use of his time and talents not only
for the benefit of himself but also for others.

WILLIAM 11. 11. CULBY.

William II. II. Colby is one of the leading business men of
Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he conducts a livery l)usincss r)n an
extensive scale. He was born in Vermont, March iK. 1840. and is
a son of Harrison and Mary Colby, who were natives of that
state. The father was prominent and successful in the hotel
business in Vermont for many years and his jirospcrity followed

210 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

him when he moved to Wisconsin. He remained in that state
for some time, going to Iowa in the '70s. He located in Fort
Dodge and resided in this city until his death. He was one of
the representative citizens of the community and his activities
in the promotion of the Fort Ridgeley Railroad have had an
influential result upon the civic prominence of Fort Dodge. He
died in 1885 and was survived by his wife for one year, her death
occurring in 1886.

William H. H. Colby went to school in Wisconsin and followed
the usual course of public instruction. He remained with his
parents until his marriage in 1859, when he started in active life
for himself in the livery and hotel business at Sun Prairie, Wis-
consin. This venture was successful and was later followed by
a general merchandise store at Token Creek, Wisconsin, in the
operation of which Mr. Colby acted for his father and was suc-
cessful in conserving his interests. In 1870 he removed to Fort
Dodge, Iowa, and here engaged in the livery and lumber business
upon the same site which he now occupies in his present activities.
He has never left this location and has become one of the pros-
perous and successful men of Fort Dodge. He has gradually dis-
continued the lumber department of his enterprise and devotes
his entire attention to the liverj' and transfer branch. His busi-
ness has increased phenomenally and the enterprise which was
begun upon a small and humble scale has now evolved into one of
the largest of its kind in the city. He has recently erected a new
brick building to give him increased capacity for his business
transactions and has been an important factor in nnmicipal de-
velopment. He has devoted his time almost e.\clusi\ely to com-
mercial pursuits and his energies, directed along well controlled
and economic lines, have resulted in a gratitx ing degree of [iros-
perity. Although he is absorbed in business he is nevertheless a
loyal citizen of Fort Dodge and his cooperation is never asked
in vain in any movement looking toward its future prosperity and
prominence.

Mr. Colby was married at the age of nineteen in Token Creek.
Wisconsin, to Miss Emma E. Spaulding. a daughter of George
H. and Mary (Lawrence) Spaulding, both natives of Vermont.
The father was a prominent hotel proprietor and farmer in Token
Creek for many years. After his wife's death he retired from
commercial pursuits and made his home in Fort Dodge with his
son-in-law. the subject of this sketch, with whom he remained

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 211

until his death, which occurred in 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Colby
have been born two children : Fred G., now a bookkeeper in his
father's establishment ; and Nellie, the wife of Arthur Keys, of
Santiago, California. On October 10. igii. ]\Irs. Colby was sud-
denly stricken with paralysis and passed away on October 13.
191 1, after fifty-two years of happy married life.

Politically Mr. Colby is a republican but has never sought
public office, although he casts his ballot at each election and
takes an intelligent interest in public affairs. He is a member
of the Masonic order but this constitutes his only fraternal af-
filiation. He prefers to keep his attention concentrated on the
conduct of his business, believing that in commercial prosperity
along worthy lines and in an exemplary private life true success
and happiness lie.

CLEMMON L. GRANGER.

Among the enterprising business men of Fort Dodge whose
efforts have been freely expended in promoting the development
of the town must be mentioned the late Clemmon L. Granger,
who contributed generously of both his time and money and
worked tirelessly to advance the interests of the community.

He was born at iNIount Clemens, Michigan, February 11, 1850,
and is a son of Sylvester and Mary (Vernie) Granger. The
father was born and reared in the state of New Y'ork and was
of English extraction, while the mother was born in Michigan
and was of French descent. Agricultural pursuits always en-
gaged the energies of Sylvester Granger, who removed with his
family from Michigan to Indiana in i860, locating at Crown Point,
where he and the mother passed the remainder of their lives.

The education of Clemmon L. Granger was begun in the com-
mon schools of his native state and completed in a private acad-
emy at Crown Point. In his early manhood he went to Belle-
ville, Illinois, as local representative of the McCormick Manufac-
turing Company of Chicago. Later he was made general agent
for this company in the states of Maryland and Pennsylvania,
serving in this capacity for three years. In 1879, he came to Fort
Dodge, Iowa, and establishe<l an implement and seed store on
the public square, where the Granger Company is now located.

212 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

He was associated with the late George F. \\ ise for three years,
the business being conducted under the firm name of Granger &
Wise. Later he formed a partnership with Peter M. Mitchell,
also deceased, who is mentioned at greater length elsewhere in
this work, and for fifteen years the store was conducted under
the name of Granger & ^Mitchell, l^'or three years C. E. Brown
now of Sioux City, Iowa, was financially interested in the enter-
prise, and during that time it was operated under the name of
C. L. Granger & Company. Mr. Granger continued to be actively
identified with this business until his death, which occurred at the
Passavant Hospital, Chicago, April 6. 1900. He met with good
success and had built up a nice patronage, being favorably known
throughout the agricultural sections of the entire county.

At Crown Point. Indiana, on the 4th of October, 1875. Mr.
Granger was united in marriage to Miss Alice A. W'illey, a
daughter of George and Cynthia (Nash) Willey. The father was
a native of Connecticut and when a small lad came to Madison
county, Xew York, with his parents. There he was reared to
manhood and subsequently met and married Miss Nash, a native
of Madison county and a member of an old colonial family, many
of her ancestors having participated in the Revolution. Mr.
\\ illey began life as a farmer, but he subse(|uently studied law
and also engaged in the real-estate business. In the early years
of their domestic life he and his wife removed to Indiana, settling
in Lake county, and there both passed away. Mrs. Ciranger,
who is of English extraction in both the paternal and maternal
lines, was given the advantages of good schooling and attended
both the high school at Crown Point and a young ladies' semi-
nary, where she completed her education.

When first granted the right of franchise upon attaining his
majority, Mr. Granger voted the democratic ticket, but he later
transferred his allegiance to the republican party, whose candi-
dates he thereafter supported. He was alwaj's one of the fore-
most men in the community and took an active and helpful in-
terest in all nninicipal affairs. His fellow townsmen manifested
their appreciation of his services by electing him mayor of the
city on five different occasions. That he discharged the duties of
this ofifice with efficiency and in a manner highly satisfactory to
the community at large is evidenced by the period of his service.
He was mayor when the city voted for bonds for the installation
of a waterworks svstem and he was likewise the incumbent of

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 213

this office when the street railway franchise was granted. In
the discharge of his official duties he exhibited the spirit of prog-
ress and enterprising methods that cliaracterized him as a l)usi-
ness man, and worked tirelessly in his efforts to promote the
development of the various public utilities. He was not identified
with any church but attended the Presbyterian, of which Mrs.
Granger is a member, and fraternally he was affiliated with
Ashlar Lodge. Xo. in. A. F. & A. M. ; Calvary Commandery,
Xo. 24. K. T. : and Fort Dodge Lodge, Xo. 248, .-K. O. U. \V.
Although twelve years have elapsed since the passing away of
Mr. Granger, his personality was too strongly impressed upon
the community in the development of which he had been a dom-
inant factor, for him to be readily forgotten, while the various
public utilities he assisted in promoting stand as monuments com-
memorating his services to the city.

SEXATOR FREDERIC LARRABEE.

It has long been an almost universally accepted fact that the
professional man cannot win success along agricultural or com-
mercial lines, that the qualities which fit him for one of the learned
professions are not in harmony with the demands of the farm, the
shop or the counting house. The record of Senator Frederic
Larrabee, however, shows that the keen iliscrimination and ana-
lytical power which make him an able representative of the bar
also enable him to successfully solve intricate business problems,
and farming and stock-raising constitute an important source
of his revenue in addition to his operations in real estate and his
practice of law. Moreover, his fellow citizens recognize him as
one well qualified for political leadership, so that he is now repre-
senting the twenty-seventh district, comprising Calhoun and
Webster counties, in the upper house of the general assembly.
He was born in Clermont, Iowa. Xovember 3, 1873. and comes
of Xew England ancestry. He is a son of ex-Governor William
Larrabee. one of the honored pioneers and builders of the com-
monwealth of Iowa, of whom further mention is made on another
page of this work. His paternal grandfather was .\dani Larrabee.
a native of Connecticut, who was of English lineage but more
remotely of French descent. He served as a soldier with the

214 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

American troops in the War of 1812, holding the rank of Heutenant,
and a wound which he sustained in an engagement hastened his
death. Lieutenant Larrabee was a graduate of West Point and
made a creditable record during his miHtary service. The ma-
ternal grandfather of Senator Larrabee was Gustave Adolphus
Appelman, who married Ann Williams. Both were natives of
Connecticut and Mr. Appelman was of German descent, while his
wife was of W^elsh lineage. They were pioneer settlers of Clayton
county.

Frederic Larrabee was a pupil in the public schools of Cler-
mont, Iowa, and afterward attended the State University, being
graduated from the collegiate department in 1897 and from the
law department in 1898. He afterward pursued a special course at
Columbia University. Throughout his life he has been a student
not only of professional problems but also of the great economic,
political and sociological questions which claim the attention of
the statesman and the thinking man of the age. He became a
resident of Fort Dodge in 1901 and has since that time here engaged
in the practice of law and in the real-estate business. He is also
interested in stock-raising and farming, breeding and handling
thoroughbred cattle. He has large landed interests, owning
several farms in the state which prove good sources of income to
him. He is likewise interested in the Iowa Savings Bank and
several banking and other business institutions. His property in-
cludes land in northern Iowa and a farm in Cooper township,
Webster county, south of the Fort Dodge city limits, he and his
brother Charles owning there four hundred acres. Upon that
place they raise Brown Swiss cattle, their father having brought
the first herd of Brown Swiss cattle into the state. He selected
these as the breed best adapted to climatic and other conditions
in northern Iowa and since that time the name of Larrabee has
been connected with the breeding and raising of cattle on an
extensive scale.

Senator Frederic Larrabee has always been a republican, in-
terested in the growth and success of the party and doing all in
his power to further its interests. In 1908 he was elected to repre-
sent the twenty-seventh district in the state senate, of which
he is now an active member, making a creditable record by in-
dorsement of the measures which he deems essential and valuable
in promoting the welfare of the state. He has among his warm
friends many of Iowa's most distinguished citizens and he, at all

HISTORY UF WEUSTEK COLXTV 215

limes, commands the high regard and confidence of those witli
whom he associates. He was a member of Company G, Iowa
National Guard, served as its first heutenant and was connected
with tlie state militia for about six years as an officer. He acted
first as lieutenant and later as battalion adjutant of the Fifty-sixth
Regiment and is widely known in military as well as in other
circles throughout the state. His ability and fidelity have placed
him in a position of public trust where he is accorded the honor
and respect of his fellowmen.

REV. FRAi\XIS FWW KES.
Rev. F'rancis Fawkcs is living retired ni Ulhu after a period

of active service as a Congregational minister, embracing almost
fifty years of useful and forceful work in the cause of religious
expansion. He is one of the most widely known and prominent
clergymen in Otho township, where he has resided for almost
half a century and where his sincere, earnest and useful life has
gained him many friends. Mr. Fawkes is a native of England,
born December 20, 1838, a son of Samuel and Sarah (Austin)
Fawkes, natives of that country. The father was a weaver of
woolen cloth in England and later spent ten years in the govern-
ment employ, working in a dockyard. He remained in his native
country until 1867 and then came to America, settling near Du-
buque, Iowa, where he purchased a tract of timber land and began
its improvement and cultivation. This farm he operated during
the summer months for a number of years, working in the lead
ore mines through the winter. He was finally obliged to retire
on account of old age and took up his residence in Dubuque,
where he lived until after the death of his wife, which occurred
in 1892. In 1893 he came to Otho and made his home with the
subject of this review until his death, in 1896.

Rev. Francis Fawkes was twenty-five years of age when he
came to America. He had received a limited education in Eng-
land, laying aside his books when he was tiiirtccn years of age.
being compelled at that time to earn his own livelihood. He has.
however, improved his leisure by constant and well selected read-
ing and is now one of the most cultured and cducate<l gentlemen
in Webster countv. ,\t thirteen years of age he went to work in

216 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

a woolen cloth factory and for four years labored arduously in
this employment. Afterward he obtained a position in the gov-
ernment naval depot in the county of Kent and later secured
work in a drug store in that vicinity, where he remained for
eight years. In March, 1864, he came to America and settled in
Dubuque, coming later to \^'isconsin, to an uncle, where he lo-
cated near Mineral Point. After some weeks' temporar}' resi-
dence in that section he returned to Dubuque, settling there for
the second time in May, 1864. He obtained a position in a local
drug store and for two years retained his connection with this
enterprise. During all of these various removals he read and
studied constantly and soon gained a liberal education. He de-
lights in recalling his early struggles for the acquirement of
learning and when asked from what school he was graduated,
answers that he obtained his degree from a drug store. He was
influenced in joining the ministry by Dr. Guernsey, head of the
Congregational missionary work, and after his ordination became
active as a missionary in Iowa. For three and one-half years he
worked in Durango and "then received a call from a church at
Dows, where he remained for four years. His first residence in
Otho dates from 1873 and here he remained for five years, preach-
ing the gospel and doing other important missionar_\- work. At
the end of tiiat time his health failed and he was obliged to give
up active labor. Returning to Dubucpie. he purchased a farm and
operated it for twehe years with the object of regaining his
shattered health by constant labor out of doors. His activities
served the purpose for which they were intended and in 1890 he
returned to Otho, where for fifteen years he was active in all
kinds of ministerial work. .\t the end of that time his hearing and
eyesight became poor and he was obliged to retire from the min-
istry, although he still maintains his residence in Otho. He owns
a fine eighty acre farm two miles from town and two fine resi-
dence lots in the village and upon one of these he has built a
modern and comfortable home in which he lives. For almost half
a century he has worked for the spread of the doctrines in which he
sincerely believes and his life, although quiet and unassuming,
has been a potent factor of their widespread acceptance. His
retirement is a well earned rest after arduous and faithful labor
and was made necessary by failing health.

Mr. Fawkes was married in 1865 to Miss Elizabeth Fawkes
and they had one son, Frank H., who is agent for the Northwest-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 217

ern Mutual Life Insurance Company at Pasadena, California.
Mr. Fawkes' first wife died in 1868 and in the following year he
wedded Miss Susan R. Woodhouse, a daughter of William and
Ann (Boyd) A\'oodhouse, the former a native of Indiana and the
latter of Kentucky. To this union were born seven children,
Harriet G., Clement W., Sarah R.. Edith A., Nora M., Ernest W.,
and Otis, whose death occurred in 1874. Of the six who survive
all are married except Ernest. Mrs. Fawkes was struck by light-
ning on July 4, 1883, and instantly killed. In Novemlier, 1890.
Mr. Fawkes was again married, his third wife being Miss Mar-
garet W. Martin, a daughter of James and Janet (Lyon) Martin,
natives of Scotland. The father was a farmer in his native coun-
try and continued in that occupation all his life. He died in Scot-
land in 1859 and his wife died there in 1875. I^'^e of their children
at different times came to the United States, all settled in Webster
county and are married. Mrs. Fawkes was born in Scotland in
October, 1839.

Mr. Fawkes gives his allegiance to the proliibition party and
is an active worker in this organization. He is a fine example
of a sincere, earnest, unselfish and industrious clergyman. Per-
sonal advancement has never entered into his plan of life and his
professions of faith are supported by good works and charities
which make him an influence in the promotion of the universal
religion of kindness and good-will.

HENRY H. BALDWIN.

Henrv H. Baldwin is one of the honored veterans of the Civil
war, who now, after many years of successful attention to his
chosen vocation as a printer, is living retired at Fort Dodge.
Webster county, Iowa, where he has spent the major portion of
the active business years of his life. He was born on Orange
Mountain, New Jersey, I-'eljruary 10, 1843, 'i"d is a son of Lemuel
and Rachel (Perry) Baldwin, tlie former of wiiom was born in
Orange, New Jersey, in 1806. The mother was a native of New
Jersey and was related to Commodore Perry, of Lake Erie fame
in the War of 1812. The fatlier. (if English descent, reniovcil
with his family to Columbus, Ohio, and tlicre established his
home in 1845, where he died in July, !856.

218 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Henry H. Baldwin was reared in his parents' home and re-
ceived his elementary education in the public schools of Columbus,
Ohio. At the close of his school years he became an apprenticed
printer on the Ohio State Journal and in that occupation he con-
tinued until the opening of the Civil war. He then enlisted at
Columbus, Ohio, in Company H, Eighty-fifth Ohio Regiment of
Volunteer Infantry, and at once went with his command to Camp
Chase, where his company was employed in guard duty at the
federal prison. He was among the early volunteers who re-
sfionded to President Lincoln's call for thirty-day men and at the
expiration of his three months of service he went to Cambridge,
Illinois, to which place his mother had removed, and there en-
listed in Company C. of the One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois
Volunteer Infantry, and continued as a soldier in the field until
the close of the war. His command campaigned through the
states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina, dur-
ing which time his regiment was detailed for six months as
mounted infantry. He was then transferred to Company F, of
the Sixty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. A few of the engage-
ments in which Mr. Baldwin took part during his life as a soldier
were the battles of Knoxville, Dallas, Peachtree, Atlanta. New
Hope Church, Ezra Church, the Franklin and Nashville cam-
paigns, the battle of Town Creek and the capture of Fort Ander-
son. His command then joined Sherman at Goldsboro. North
Carolina, and immediately following the surrender of Johnston
the regiment went into permanent camp at Greensboro, North
Carolina, where it remained until the subject of this review was
mustered out of ser\ice in July. 1S65. His command was detained
in Greensl)oro for the purpose of restoring civil government in
that part of North Carolina, and thus failed to participate in the
grand review of veterans at \\^ashington. Company C. of the
One Hundred and Twelfth \'nlunteer Infantry, of which the sub-
ject of this review was a member, belonged to the Third Brigade,
Third Division of the Twenty-third Corps of the Armv of the
Ohio. At the close of the war Mr. Baldwin returned to Illinois
and located at Cambridge, at which place he celebrated his mar-
riage in 1865. Two years later he established his home at Fort
Dodge, Iowa, where he accepted the position of foreman of the
composing room on the Fort Dodge Messenger, and in various
positions he continued until 191 1, at which time he severed his
connection with the printing business and retired from acti\x life.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 219

He was also occasionally employed as ad man in the composing
room of the Chronicle office at Fort Dodge. His entire business
career in Fort Dodge, however, was in employment with one or
the other of these papers.

In i8f)5 Mr. Baldwin was united in marriage at Camliridge,
Illinois, to Miss Emma Stephenson, a daughter of Richard and
Laura (Finch) Stephenson, both of whom were natives of Ken-
tucky. The father was a veteran of the Civil war and removed in
1865 from Cambridge to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he established
his home and continued to live during the remaining years of his
life, which closed in 1894. The mother's death occurred in 1886.
To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin four children were born. Carrie was
born in 1866 and died in 1886. Harry O., born in 1872, was mar-
ried June 5, 1895, to Miss Byrd Utley, of Alden, Iowa, and they
reside in Fort Dodge. Richard B., born in 1874, was married in
October, 1906, to Miss Kate Schneider, of Garner, Iowa, and they
now reside in Fort Dodge. Dawn, who completes the family, is
the wife of William H. Gaughan, of Phoenix, Arizona. The
mother of this family died August 18, 1899.

Mr. Baldwin has been a lifelong republican, and is an honored
member of Fort Donelson Post, G. A. R., and is also a member of
the Congregational church of his adopted city. He is one of the
substantial and highly esteemed men of Fort Dodge and has so
lived as to gain and retain the good-will and high regard of the
people with whom he has come in contact.

PETER F. FLANAGAN.

The energies of Peter F. hdanagan have for some years been
successfuly devoted to mercantile pursuits, in which he has won
the advancement achieved by the man of intelligent effort and
stalwart purpose. He is a native of Iowa and was born in Clin-
ton county on the nth of .\i)ril, 1863. his parents being John
and Catherine (Green) Flanagan. The parents were both na-
tives of Ireland, whence they emigrated to the I'nitcd States
in early life. The father fu'st located in Illinois, where he
farmed for a time, and then rcnioxed to Clinton cfnmty, Jowa.
There he jiurchascd some land and cniuinued bis agricultural
pursuits mitil 1870. In the l;itter ycir he dis]K)sed of his place

220 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

and removed to Greene county, investing his capital in another
farm. The development of this property enlisted his energies
until his death, which occurred in 1894. The mother had passed
away about two years previously.

Peter F. Flanagan was a lad of seven years when he accom-
panied his parents on their removal to Greene county, where
he was rearefl and educated. He assisted with the cultivation
of the home farm until he was nineteen years of age when he went
to Lohrville to learn the blacksmith's trade. He followed this
vocation during the greater part of the succeeding thirteen years,
following which he worked at the carpenter's trade for a time.
In 1896, he came to Clare and opened a restaurant, but he sub-
sequently disposed of this and engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness. Despite his inexperience the latter venture thrived, largely
owing to his good judgment, close attention to details and gracious
and accommodating treatment of patrons. More than average
prosperity has rewarded the efforts of Mr. Flanagan who in ad-
dition to his store owns his residence and two store buildings
and holds some stock in the Clare Mutual Telephone Company.

In January, 1891, Mr. Flanagan was married to Miss Mary
Casey, a daughter of Johif and Susan (Ryan) Casey, natives of
Canada, who had moved to Greene county, Iowa, in 1872. Mr.
and Mrs. Flanagan have no children of their own but have adopted
a son, Martin Casey. They are communicants of the Roman
Catholic church, and fraternally Mr. Flanagan is aflfiliated with
the Modern Woodmen of .\merica. Knights of Columbus and
Yeomen. In politics he stanchly supports the republican party,
but has never sought or aspired to public office. He is a man of
strong determination and much tenacitv of purpose, as is evidenced
by his career, which has been pursued w-ith the relentless energy
of one resolved to succeed.

ALBERT Hi:XKY 1-REDERICK GUHL.

The power of energy, resourceful ability, determination, and
enterprise is well illustrated in the career of .\lbert Guhl. whose
leading position in business circles of \'incent gives little hint of
the penniless and friendless condition of the German boy of
seventeen, who settled in this section of Iowa twenty-one years

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HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 223

ago. He is today one of tlie most successful men in Vincent and
liis prosperity is the more creditable since it lay at the end of
a hard road and was reached only after ditificulties and early
struggles. Mr. Guhl was l)orn in Ganschendorf, province of
Pommern, Germany, July 22, 1874, a son of Frederick and Mary
(Genson) Guhl, natives of that section. His father is well known
in the tailoring business in Cianschendorf and has followed that
occupation during his active life. Neither he nor his wife has
ever come to America.

After completing his eilucation in the public schools of Ger-
many. Albert Cjulil learned the shoemaking trade and after serv-
ing his apprenticeship, worked at this occupation for one vear.
Becoming dissatisfied with his attainments and prospects he de-
termined to seek greater advantages in .America, and crossing
the Atlantic, settled in Webster county, near Vincent, when he
\\as seventeen years of age. He obtained work as a farm hand
in the employ of Henry Bastian and held this position for four
\'ears. When he resigned he still made his home with his former
employer and remained in that section of Webster county for
ten years. At the end of that time he mov-ed to Vincent, where
he established a small restaurant which was the nucleus of his
present important enterprise. With true German thrift and
singleness of purpose, and aided by a determination which is
an element in his own individuality he a]Jiilied himself to making
his business expand. I^ittle by little the enterprise grew and
as success came Mr. Guhl added to his building until today it is
a large and ably conducted restaurant with all the aspects of
metropolitan institutions. He has built up a gratifying and con-
stantly growing ])atronage and has become in the course of
years wealthy and prosperous. The money which he has made
he has invested principally in business property in Vincent, own-
ing five large buildings in the busiest section of the village.

On March 2-. 1901, Mr. Guhl was unite<l in marriage to Miss
Anna Wilson, a daughter of Mattliew and Gatherina (Hemming)
Wilson, natives of Norway, fler father came to America in his
early years and settled immodiatcK- in Vincent, where for a
long time he conducted a dairying business. He died in Eagle
Grove, Iowa, November 20, 1899. His wife makes her home in
Vincent. Mr. and ^Irs. Guhl have five children. Emma Marie.
Otto Carl Frederick. Edna Irene, Alice Eillian and .Albert Julius.
The family belong to the German Lutheran church.

224 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Mr. Guhl affiliates with the progressive party and for four
years served as a member of the Vincent town council and did
much constructive and organizing work along lines of municipal
advancement, bringing to the discharge of his official duties a
conscientiousness and an energy and political influence which proved
him as capable in a public way as in the management of his private
business enterprise.

THOMAS F. GURNETT.

Thomas F. Gurnett has been a resident of Iowa since he was
six months old and has spent practically his entire life in this
state. He is now engaged in the operation of a general store at
Barnum, where he is known as a practical and enterprising busi-
ness man. He was born in La Salle, Illinois, in September, 1863,
and is a son of Andrew and Ellen (Martin) Gurnett, natives of
Ireland. The father came to America in 1850, locating in La
Salle, Illinois, where he worked as a brakeman on a railroad for
about three years, moving at the end of that time to Linn county,
Iowa, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land
at six dollars per acre. He operated this farm and made exten-
sive improvements, selling it at the end of three years at twelve
dollars per acre. He then purchased two hundred and forty
acres, paying for this six dollars per acre, to which he added from
time to time until he owned five hundred and twenty acres. He
followed farming until 1909, when he retired from active life and
moved to the vicinity of Fairfax, where he is now making his
home with his daughter, Mrs. Frank Cahill. His wife passed away
in 1904.

Thomas Gurnett was six months old when he came to Iowa
with his parents. He was reared at home and received his early
education in the district schools of Linn county, supplementing
this by a course at Tilford's Academy at Vinton. Iowa. After he
completed his studies he worked for his father upon the farm for
a few years, later renting the Rockford Stock farm, where for
three years he carried on general agricultural pursuits. He then
purchased one hundred and twenty acres in College township,
Linn county, which he operated for seven years, disposing of
his holdings eventually in order to come to Barnum. where he

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 225

bought a general store, with which lie has been identified up to
the present time. He met with rapid and well deserved success
which was founded upon the systematic and businesslike methods
by which he operated his enterprise and upon industry, activity
and honesty which are elements in his character. His store was
destroyed by fire in 1902 but in the same year Mr. Gurnett erected
the fine brick building which he now occupies. He carries a
large stock of goods, which is always complete and artistically
arranged. He has a large and constantly growing patronage and
is ranked among the substantial and prosperous merchants of
Barnum. He is a stockh'older in the Barnum Telephone Com-
pany and has an interest in a large estate in Linn county.

In March, 1891, Mr. Gurnett was united in marriage to Miss
Margaret E. Moran, a daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Moran,
both natives of Ireland. Mrs. Gurnett passed away on November
25, 191 1, after a short illness, leaving five children, Lizzie, Willie,
Thomas, Esther and Leo.

Fraternally Mr. Gurnett affiliates with the Modern Woodmen
of America and the Order of Yeomen. He belongs to the Roman
Catholic church. In his political views he is a consistent demo-
crat and has served as mayor of Barnum for two terms and was
a member of the town council for six years. His interest in
education is evidenced by his ten years of able service on the
school board, of which he was president for nine years, having-
shown in all the phases of his political life an eagerness in
promoting the general welfare and progress of his community,
which is true public spirit.

JULIUS ELMER COURTRIGHT.

Julius E. Courtright is one of the most highly respected and
esteemed business men in Buncombe, Iowa, where he has lived
since 1909. He has been identified with the general merchan-
dise and livery business in the city during the three years of his
residence and has conducted both his enterprises along modern
and progressive lines, gaining thereby a gratifying and well de-
served success. He is a native son of Webster county, having
been born in Washington township, October 26, 1869. His par-
ents were James and Ellen (Stalp) Courtright, the former a native

226 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

of Pennsylvania and the latter of Illinois. His fath"er came to
Webster county with his parents in 1856 when he was ten years
of age and was reared and educated in this section. He remained
with his parents until tlie outbreak of the Civil war when lie enlisted
in Company K, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close
of hostilities. After his discharge he returned home and worked for
his father upon the farm for some time, later renting a tract of land
which he operated several years. He was eventually able to purchase
a quarter section on section 34. \\'ashington township, which he im-
proved and cultivated along modem and progressive lines, adding to
his holdings from time to time until he finally owned two hundred and
twenty acres well improved and intelligently ileveloped. This farm he
culti\ated until 1909, when lie sold his property and moved to
Duncombe, where he has since resided. He has reached the age
of sixty-six, while his wife is in the sixty-fourth year of her age.

Julius E. Courtright was reared and educated in \\'ebster
county and remained with his parents upon the home farm until
he had attained his majorit\-. In that year he purchased eighty
acres, constituting a portion of the homestead which had belonged
to his grandfather, on section 34, \\'ashington township, and spent
a number of years operating and improving this tract. \\'hcn he
finally disposed of the property he established himself in the
mercantile business at Brushy, and conducted an independent en-
terprise of this kind for two years, selling at the end of that time
and coming to Duncombe, where he engaged in the livery busi-
ness. He was successful in this line of occupation for eight years
but finally disposed of his interests and purchased one hun-
dred and twenty acres in Washington township, which he
impro\ed and operated for two years. When he sold that
farm he purchased eighty acres of land on section 2, Webster
township, which he has now rented out. He subsequently en-
gaged in the general merchandise business in Duncombe and after
one year in this line of activity sold his interests and again be-
came identified with a livery enterprise which he has operated
since that time. On June 2, 1912, his building was destroyed by
fire and he has just completed a fine new barn and feed sheds on
the corner of the principal street in Duncombe and owns besides
his comfortable and modern home. In the village he has a wide
acquaintance and many friends who respect him for his business
attainments and for his upright life.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 227

In March, 1890, Mr. Courtright was united in marriage to Miss
Anna A. Royster, a daughter of C. W. and Amelia Royster. They
became the parents of five children: Ward S., who passed away
in i892;.]\Iildred B. ; Delmar R. ; Geneva Fern; and Clifford W.

Fraternally Mr. Courtright belongs to the Alodern Woodmen of
America and his wife is a member of the Royal Neighbors. He
has been a substitute for the past seven years on the rural mail
route and is active in various local enterprises. He is well known
in republican politics and served as mayor of Buncombe for two
years. He was elected constable of his township and although
he did not qualify for the position is acting and fulfilling his duties
ably in the absence of a substitute. He is interested in education
and is now serving as a member of the school board, bringing to
his duties in this capacity the same industry and intelligent activ-
it}- which have marked his business and political career.

W. C. HAVILAND.

\\'. C. Haviland has contributed to the agricultural and busi-
ness growth of Cooper townshii^, Webster county. Iowa, by his
efficient and capalde management of one of the most extensive
and prosperous fruit orchards in the state. His business is a
natural outgrowth of his father's, who in partnership with a
brother planted the first apple tree in Cooper township and was
prominently identified with the nursery business during his life.
Mr. Haviland was born in I'rinceton. Illinois, on Xovemljer 15,
1852, and is a son of Andrew Jackson and Mary M. ( Co]l)y) Havi-
land, the former a native of Dutchess county, Xew York, and the
latter of Manchester, Vermont. Andrew Jackson Haviland was
born October 20, 1820, and spent his early life in his native state.
In 1842 he went to Chicago and worked at his trade — that of
millwright — for a number of years. He came to Princeton, Illi-
nois, from Chicago, and followed the same line of occupation.
He had learned his trade in the early '30s in New York and was
known in the various cities in which he resided as an expert work-
man. He later went into the contracting business at Princeton
and was successful in that line of work until 1855. He was mar-
ried in Elgin, Illinois, and in 1855 established his residence in
Iowa, buying one hundred and sixty acres in Webster county. He

228 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

went into the nursery business and in i860 built a home in Fort
Dodge, where he resided and continued in the Hne of occupation
with which he was connected since his coming to the state. He
was one of the first settlers north of Fort Dodge and he and his
brothers made the first permanent location in this section. He
was the pioneer horticulturist and nurseryman in the northwest-
ern part of Iowa and carried on an extensive trade in this line in
conjunction with one of his brothers. In the fall of 1855 this
brother made a trip back to Princeton, Illinois, and purchased and
brought to Iowa the first apple trees which were ever set out in
the state. He made the journey with ox teams and was the pio-
neer in what afterward became a great and flourishing industry.
He was one of the prominent fruit growers in this section of the
country and for years served as president of the State Horticul-
tural Society. His picture now hangs in an honored place in the
horticultural room in the state capital. The father of our subject
continued in the nursery business at his original location in I'ort
Dodge until 1872, in which year he sold out his ])lace there and
bought the property where the North l-'loral Company now
stands. Here he operated a small enterprise and continued there
until his death, which occurred on March 9, 1888. His wife sur-
vived him a number of years, dying on the 9th of March, 1901.
Mrs. Haviland was a sister of Myra Bradwell, who was the foun-
der of the Chicago Legal News and had the distinction of being
the first woman to ask to be admitted to the bar. She was a cul-
tured and educated woman and had passed her legal examination
l)ut was refused admittance on account of her being married. She
educated a young lady, however, and succeeded in gaining the hit-
ter's admittance to the bar. W. C. Haviland is one of four chil-
dren born to his parents. The others are : Perry A., born in Iowa,
who is now a civil engineer and county surveyor of Alameda
county, California, where he is working for the government ; Mrs.
Mary E. Humphrey, who resides in Sioux City, Iowa; and Mrs.
Lucy J. Black, whose home is at Parshall, Colorado.

W. C. Haviland w'as reared in Iowa and educated in the public
schools of Fort Dodge. He supplemented his primary course by
a period at the Iowa State Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa,
and later studied business methods in a commercial college at
Des Moines. Upon finishing his education he went to Chicago,
where he accepted a position as actuary, examining insurance
companies for the state of Illinois. His office was located at 206

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 229

La Salle street and he was prosperous in this line of occupation
for one year. At the end of that time he returned to Iowa and
went into the general mercantile business at Manson, where he
conducted a store with gratifying success for one year. He then
came to Fort Dodge and engaged in the l)uying and selling of
grain in partnership with his cousin and uncle. This phase of his
activity extended over one 3'ear and at the end of that time the
three partners went to Colorado, where they operated an exten-
sive sheep ranch twenty miles northeast of Colorado Springs.
They there remained from 1875 until 1876, returning in the lat-
ter year to Fort Dodge. Mr. Haviland then started a notion
store, which was located where the Plymouth Clothing Store
now stands, and was successful in this line for one year. He
eventually sold out and became associated with his father as a
traveling salesman. The state of Iowa was at that time still
sparsely settled and Air. Haviland can remember driving for days
at a time without seeing a single house. He continued working
in the interests of his father until 1879, in which year he asso-
ciated himself with H. C. Bradwell, of New York city, in a whole-
sale nursery business. They purchased one hundred and sixty
acres, which constitutes the farm upon which Mr. Haviland
now lives in Cooper township, and set out fruit trees. They were
successful from the beginning and soon had extensive interests in
orchard jjropertv in Iowa. They owned four hundred acres near
Humboldt, and their Inisiness became more important every
year. In the fall of 1885 they shipped out two million apple
trees to markets all over the United States. They continueil
together until looo, in whicli year the |)artnership was dissolved.
Mr. Haviland coiuiiuied in the nursery business alone, operating
in a smaller way. He is now engaged entirely in the growing
and selling of fruit and owns one of the best orchards in the state.
He has one hundred and forty acres of land, planted almost en-
tirely in apples. He is known as an expert in anything pertaining
to the planting and care of fruits and to his efficient and intelli-
gent methods of labor he owes his success. Most of his apples
he ships to the Minneapolis markets and in the fall of 1912 sold
sixteen carloads in that city.

On March 26, 1884, Mr. Haviland was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Martin, a daughter of David E. and Clara (Reeve)
Martin, the former of New York and the latter of Massachusetts.
David Martin came to Illinois in pioneer times and worked at his

230 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

trade as shoemaker in Princeton. He later engaged in the real-
estate business and became prominent in politics, serving with
efficiency and ability as sheriff of Bureau county. He lived in
Princeton until his death, in April, 1903. His wife survived him
for four 3'ears, dying in January, 1907. To Mr. Haviland"s first
marriage was born one child, Andrew J., whose birth occurred
on December 16, 1885, and who is now living in Des Moines,
Iowa, where he is operating a tree surgery business. The first
Mrs. Haviland died on December 16, 1903, after an illness of two
years. On September 16. 1906. our subject was again married,
his second union being with Mrs. Rowena (Angier) Barber, a
daughter of Charles and Sarah (Smith) Angier, natives of Xew
York. Mrs. Haviland's father was among the early settlers of
Iowa and locatetl in the western part of the state at Garnavillo.
where the wife of our subject was born. He was a carpenter by
trade and worked at this line of occupation until 1864, when he
moved to Storm Lake, Iowa_. and followed the same line until
1893. I'l t'l'^t year he went to Tennessee and resided in that state
until his death, in February, 1897. His wife passed away in
1890.

In politics Mr. Ha\iland is republican but has never sought
public office. He and his wife affiliate with the Baptist church
and are active religious workers. Judged by every standard Mr.
Haviland has been a successful man. The work he does he does
well, accomplishing his pros])erity by a thorough knowledge of
every aspect of his business, by personal super\ision and atten-
tion to its details and by practical and intclligcnl labor.

G. F. SPRIXGER.

G. F. Springer is successfully engaged in the cultivation of
one hundred and ten acres of land located on section 34, Roland
township, Webster county. Iowa. He was born in Stark county,
Illinois, July 30. i860, and is a si n of David and Marv Catherine
(Chandler) Springer. l)oth cf whom were natives of Ohio. The
father was of Pennsylxania Dutch ancestry and when a child re-
moved to Illinois with his parents who settled in Stark county.
In 1875 lie came to Iowa, making the journey by wagon and
being eleven days on the road. Upon reaching this state he set-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 231

tied near Paton, Greene CDuntw on wild land which he improved
and where he continued to reside until 1882. He then removed
to \\'ebster county and there located on unimproved land on sec-
tion 34, Roland township. That .property he improved with good
buildings and there he continued to live until the time of his
death, which occurred in ]\Iarch, 1909. During his residence in
Iowa he acquired a considerable amount of land, but at the time
of his death he had disposed of all his real estate except sixty
acres, on which property his widow still lives. They were the
parents of si.x children : James H., deceased ; Marion, a resident
of Roland township; G. F., the subject of this review; Christina
Elizabeth, the wife of \V. A. Young and residing in Fort Dodge,
Iowa ; Elmer, who is operating the old homestead ; and Martha Luella,
deceased.

G. F. Springer was reared at home and receix'ed his education
in Stark county, Illinois, and Greene county, Iowa. He remained
under the parental roof and was eiigaged in work on his father's
farm until he was twenty-six years of age. He then purchased
a farm located on section 34 in Roland township. The land at
that time was without any improvements and since his residence
on the property Mr. Springer has improved it with all necessary
buildings and has brought the farm to a high state of cultiva-
tion. He now owns one hundred and ten acres and in his farm-
ing operations he has met w ith gratifying success.

In 1887 Mr. Springer was united in marriage to Miss Martha
.\mine Jackson, a daughter of Andrew and Lydia (Cooper)
Jackson. The father was a native of New York and the mother
of Ohio. They came to Illinois at an earl\- date and. in 1881. re-
mo\-ed to Iowa and located on an unini])ro\-ed farm, one mile
northwest of Gowrie. where they remained until i8(ji. at which
time they removed to Lake \'iew. Sac county, Iowa, and there
spent the remaining years < f their 'ives. The mother died in
1907 and the father in iijii. .Mrs. Jackson had ])reviouslv mar-
ried William Karr and to that union four children were born:
Merritt Lee, a resident of Lake Yiew, Iowa; David W., of Kan-
sas; Maud, the wife of D. A. Gillis of Creston. Illinois: and Laura.
deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jackson four children were
born: Wilmulh Celia. deceased: Martha .\mine. the wife of tlie
subject of this sketch; John W.. a resident of Lockhart. Minne-
sota ; and Melville, who makes his home in Lake View, Iowa. Mr.
and Mrs. G. F. Springer are the parents of three children : Vin-

232 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

nie Grace, who died at the age of nine years; IMaudie Mae, a grad-
uate of the Gowrie high school; and Clarence Franklin, who is
attending the public schools.

Mr. Springer is affiliated with the republican party and has
served as trustee of Roland township for one year. He has also
been in the office of school director for two or three years. He
is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America of Gowrie and
he and his wife are members of the Congregational church. Mr.
Springer is an enterprising, successful farmer, and a man well
respected in the community in which he lives.

THOMAS F. SIMS.

Thomas F. Sims, one of the organizers and cashier of the
I'armers Savings Bank, takes high rank among the business men
of Duncombe by reason of his efficiency and enterprise, which
enable him to carry to a successful issue anything he undertakes.
A native of Mitchell county, his birth occurred in Orchard on
August 28, 1873, his parents being Daniel and Bridgett (Gibbons)
Sims. They were born and reared in Ireland, whence the father
emigrated to the United States in his early manhood, first locat-
mg in Illinois. I'rom there he removed to Mitchell county, this
state, locating at Orchard, where for many years he held the
position of section foreman on the Illinois Central Railroad. He
resided in Orchard until his death, which occurred in August,
1906, his energies being devoted to railroading. He was sur-
vived b}- the niDther, who passed away in 1908.

Reared at home. Thomas F. Sims began his education in the
public schools of his native town and completed it in Cedar Val-
ley Seminary, at Osage, this state. He subsequently learned
telegraphy and when ciualiticd for a jjosition entered the enijiloy
of the Illinois Central Railroad, remaining in their service until
1901. He was made station agent, and his last appointment in
this capacity was at Duncoml)e. He resigned his position in 1901
and in June of that year bought out the general mercantile estab-
lishment of Lundy & Son. This was his first venture in com-
mercial pursuits, but he is a practical man of good judgment and
keen discernment in matters of business and made a success of
the undertaking. Disposing of his store in the spring of 1908. he

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 233

engaged in the banking business and in October, 191 1, organized
the Farmers Savings Bank, with a capital stock of fifteen thou-
sand dollars. It is one of tlie well established thriving financial
institutions of the state, its officials all being reputable business
men of reliable methods and recognized standing. William Mal-
Jinger is president : E. T. Davidson, vice president : and Mr.
Sims, cashier.

In August, 1901, Mr. Sims was married to Miss Rose Latta, a
daughter of Johnson and Elizabeth Latta, and to them have been
born three children: Roland, who is eight years of age; Johnson,
who has passed the fourth anniversary of his liirth ; and Florence,
who has passed her second birthday.

Mr. and Mrs. Sims are communicants of the Roman Catholic
church, and fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Colum-
bus, Catholic Order of F'oresters and Modern Woodmen of
America. His allegiance in matters ])olitic he accords to the
democratic party, and he has on se\eral occasions been called
to public office. For seven years he held the office of city treas-
urer, meeting the responsibilities of his position in a highly com-
mendable manner, while he ser\'ed with ecjual efficiency as mayor.
Mr. Sims is a man of fine discernment, keen discrimination and
unfaltering purpose, all of which are manifested in his care-
fully considered plans and well organized methods of procedure
in his business transactions. Although he is conservative in his
methods he has too much confidence in his foresight and powers
of organization to make him unduly cautious; at the same time
he does not overestimate his ability as is evidenced by the orderly
progress he has made in his business career.

GEORGE W. MASON.

Nature seems to iiave intended that in the evening of life man
.shall enjoy a periofl of rest. At an early age he is fired with the
ambition, the zeal and the courage of youth ; to these, in time,
are added the experience and sound judgment of mature man-
hood; and then, if labor is intelligently directed, success is cer-
tain, enabling the individual in his later years to ])ut aside the
more arduous cares of earlier manhood. Such has been the record
of George W. Mason, who is living retired, in Fort Dodge, his

234 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

home being at Xo. 902 First a\'enue, South. He was born in
Canandaigua, Ontario county, Xew York, July 18, 1838, and is a
son of Dennison R. and Mary (Brandt) Mason, who were also
natives of the Empire state. The father was reared upon a farm
in Ontario county. New Y'ork, and was a son of Samuel and Han-
naii (Herindeen) Mason. Samuel Mason was a native of Massa-
chusetts and made farming his life work. Both he and his wife
were of the Quaker faith and they died within the same week, in
May, 1842, when well advanced in years. They had five chil-
dren, Dennison R., Gardner, Selinda. Mercy and Mary. The
maternal grandfather of our subject was Mason Brandt, who was
born at Kinderhook, Xew York, and married Phoebe Knapp. The
latter had been adopted by the Chapin family at Canandaigua.
which family had charge of the treaties and the payment of six
Indian natidus there. Mason I'.randt was of Holland Dutch
descent and was a soldier in the \\'ar of 1812. He made farming
his life work and became, in time, the owner of one of the best cul-
tivated tracts of land in liis ])art of the state. Both he and his
wife died in tlie east. tJie former at the age of fifty-eight years
and the latter when eighty-seven years of age. They were the
parents of six children, Alexander, Samuel, George, Mary. Betsy
Elizabeth and Laura.

D. R. Mason was reared on a farm in Ontario county, Xew
York, and later became a lumlierman of Grand Rapids, Wiscon-
sin, and of Chip|)ewa I'alls, in the same state. The last ten years
of his life were spent in Monroe county. X'cw York, where he
died in 1883 at the age of eighty-seven years. He was originally
a Quaker but later he Ijecame identified with the Congregational
church. Tn liis family were six children, five of whom lived to
maturity: Hannah E.. of Fairport, Xew York: Samuel, deceased:
George \\'.. of this review; Harvey, of Beatrice, X'ebraska; Ben-
jamin F., deceased ; and Byron, who died at the age of four years.
George W. Mason was twelve years of age when he left Ontario
county, Xew York, and accompanied his parents to \N'isconsin,
where he was reared to manhood. He acquired his education in
the Iieart of the lumber woods of that state and in early life be-
came a lumberman, which occupation he followed from 1850 until
1864. He was a lad of only twelve years when he thus began to
earn his living and he has since been dependent upon his own
resources for a livelihood. In 1864, he returned to New York
and lived in Monroe county until iSy2. when he came to Fort

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 235

Dodge, Iowa, and was tliere engaged in the grocery business in
partnership with his brother Benjamin for eighteen months. At
the end of that time he turned iiis attention to the hve-stock busi-
ness, handling both cattle and hogs for a time. For thirty-one
years he conducted a lumber Inisiness in which he is still inter-
ested. His brother Benjamin passed away in 1902. While Mr.
Mason still has financial connections with the lumljer tratlc he
leaves the management of his business largely to others and has
practically retired. He is enjoying well earned rest for his suc-
cess followed earnest, persistent, indefatigable effort and straight-
forward dealing. He early grasped the eternal truth that indus-
lr\- wins, and industry became the lieacon light of his life.

On the 26th of December, 1872, George W. Mason married
Miss Hannah O'Connell, a daughter of Richard and Margaret
(Dobbyns) O'Connell. Mrs. Mason was born in Franklin county,
New York, and her parents were natives of County Cork, Ire-
land. While crossing the Atlantic to America, on the same ves-
sel, her father and mother met for the first time and were mar- ■
ried in Malone, Franklin county, New York, where they lived
until called to their final rest. They were farming people, well
known in the community, \\ here they reared nine sons and a
daughter, namely: Maurice D. : John G. ; William; Richard S. ;
Edmund ; Hannah ; Daniel ; George P. ; and two who died in
infancy. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Mason was Maurice
O'Connell. who married Nellie Kent and had six children, Mau-
rice, John, Richard, Catherine, Betsy and Hannah. The maternal
grandparents were Edmund and Margaret (Jeffrey) Dobbyns,
who had six children, John, W^illiam, Ellen, Margaret, Betsy
and Nora. To Mr. and Mrs. George W. Mason have been born
three children but the eldest, Nellie, died when about five months
old. The others are Georgia Anna and Margaret Mary, both
graduates of Smith College at Northampton, Massachusetts. The
elder is the wife of Edward Orne Damon, an able architect with
headquarters in W^ashington, D. C, and they have a son, Mason
Orne Damon. The younger daughter is the wife of John Flaire,
Jr., of Fort Dodge, and they have one son, George Mason Haire.
Mr. and Mrs. Mason are members of the Catholic church. George
W^. Mason belongs to the Knights of Columbus, while his politi-
cal allegiance is given to the republican party. Tie has been a
leading spirit in the encouragement of industries and in bringing
about public imprnvcnicnts which ha\c figured iiromiiiently in

236 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

the development and growth of Fort Dodge. He was instru-
mental in securing the building of the handsome Wahkonsa
Hotel and he developed a large lumber industry here. His inter-
ests have always been of a character that contributes to public
prosperity. He early realized that there is no advancement in
life without effort. Life afifords opportunities for physical, men-
tal and spiritual development and in this country these oppor-
tunities are ofYered to any who will embrace them. Humljle birth
and poverty are no handicap to the American youth. Opportuni-
ties, however, slip away from the sluggard and tauntingly play
before the dreamer but surrender to the individual of high pur-
pose, undaunted courage and indefatigable determination. The
possession of the latter qualities has brought George W. Mason
to a prominent and honored place among the successful and highly
respected residents of Fort Dodge.

OWEX DWYER.

Owen Dwyer, who is associated with his brother in the cultiva-
tion of a farm of a hundred and twenty acres in Douglas town-
ship, has been identified with the agricultural development of
Webster county from boyhood. He was born on tiie farm where
he now lives on the 5th of July. 1873, and is a son of Thomas and
.\nna (Bray) Dwyer, natives of Ireland. The father came to
America in his early manhood and settled in New York state.
From there he proceeded to Illinois and then went to St. Louis,
where he was living at the opening of the Civil war. He en-
listed in Company M, P'irst Missouri Cavalry, remaining in the
service for three years. Upon receiving his discharge he came
to Iowa and entered eighty acres of land in Douglas township,
this county. In his eflforts to develop his farm he encountered
the usual obstacles and discouragements that fall to the lot of
the average pioneer. Despite his difficulties, however, he more
than held his own and each year marked an improvement in his
circumstances. He was subsequently able to buy an adjoining
tract of forty acres, making his holding aggregate a hundred and
twenty acres. The further improvement and cultivation of his
property engaged his undivided attention until he passed away in

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 237

1876. Tlie mother is still living at the age of sixty-three and con-
tinues to make her residence on the homestead with her sons.

Owen Dwyer has very little recollection of his father, as he
was a child of only two and one-half years when he passed away.
His boyhood and youth were passed on the home place, his edu-
cation being acquired in the local schools. When old enough to
become self-supporting, his text-books were laid aside and he went to
work. For ten years, thereafter he was employed by various farmers
in this vicinity, but at the expiration of that time he and his
brother took charge of the home place, which is held in common
by the motlier and children, the property never having been
divided. They engage in diversified farming and stock-raising
with very good success. They annually prepare about thirty-
five head of hogs for the market and keep seven cows and eight
head of horses.

Owen Dwj^er is a devout member of the Roman Catholic
church and fraternally is identified with the Knights of Columbus,
being affiliated with the council at Fort Dodge. Politically he
supports the democratic ticket and is now serving as township
trustee and has been one of the school directors. Mr. Dwyer has
proven to be an efficient public servant, discharging his duties
promptly and faithfully, thus fulfilling the expectations of his
friends and fellow townsmen, who gave him their support.

HARLOW AIUNSON PRATT.

Harlow Munson Pratt was born in Otho township, Webster
county, Iowa, October 21, 1876. He is a son of Luther Herbert and
Vergenia L. (Markham) Pratt. When he was about one year of age,
his parents moved to Charlotte, Clinton county, Iowa. In 1886 they
returned to Webster county, and the father engaged in farming. Here
the son spent most of his boyhood, farming with his father. His early
education was received in the village school at Charlotte, and later in
the "Old Number One" school of Otho township. Then, in the win-
ter of 1893, he attended Tobin College, and again in 1894, helping on
the farm during the summer. In the fall of 1896, he entered Tobin
College and graduated from the normal department with tlie class of
1897. For two years he taught school, first in the Hudson school in
Otho township, and then in the I-'laherty school in Douglas township.

238 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

In 1899 'is entered tlie University of Iowa. Here he spent six years,
graduating from both tlie college of liberal arts and tlie college of
law. \\ hen at the uni\ersity he became interested in newspaper work,
and held both the position of editor and manager of the Daily lowan
He was also city editor of the Iowa Citizen for one year.

On January i, 1902. he was married to Miss Margaret Allie To-
bin, daughter of the late Professor T. Tobin. founder of Tobin Col-
lege. Mrs. Pratt was bom at \'inton. Iowa. Marcii 5. 1879. With
the founding of the college at Fort Dodge she removed to this city
in 1892. She graduated from the college in 1895. and later took up
commercial work, luitering the IiTvva State Normal School in the
fall of 1899, she graduated the following summer. At different times
she has been a teacher both in Tobin College and the I'urt Dodge pub-
lic schools. During the year 1901 .she entered the University of Iowa,
becoming a member of the same class as Mr. Pratt. Together they
graduated in 1903, and while Mr. Pratt studied law, Mrs. Pratt took
lip graduate work, receiving a Master's degree in 1905. the same year
that Mr. Pratt received his degree from the college of law. In the fall
of 1905 they became residents of the city of I'ort Dodge, and Mr.
Pratt began the practice of law.

Both he and Mrs. Pratt have identified themselves with the life of
the city, and are meml)ers of a number of clubs and fraternal societies.
F'or the past five years Mr. Pratt has held the office of secretary of
tlie Fort Dodge Commercial Club. Both he and Mrs. Pratt are mem-
bers of the Congregational church. Politically Mr. Pratt has always
been a republican.

kUFLS P. HUNri;i

For many years Rufus P. Hunter figured as one of the enter-
jjrising and prosperous agriculturists of Webster county and was,
furthermore, know'n as a citizen of genuine worth, loyal to the
principles of honorable manhood and ])rogressive citizenship.
His death, therefore, was the occasion of deep regret to the many
who were glad to call him friend. He was born in Botetourt
county, Virginia, September 30. T838, his ])arents being Lewis
C. and Rebecca (Linkioker) Hunter. The Hunter family comes
of Scotch -English ancestry and the grandfather. Francis Hunter,
was a prosperous pl.intcr of \'irginia. He was one of five broth-

K. P. HUNTER

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 241

ers who came to America and settled in that state. His son,
Lewis C. Hunter, was born in tiie Old Dominion in 1799 and
there resided until 1856, when he came to Iowa, settling in Ma-
rion county, where he followed farming throughout the remain-
der of his life, passing away January 29. 1879. His wife, also a
native of Virginia, died in Alarion county in August, 1882, and
both were laid to rest there. In their family were five sons, of
whom Rufus P. Hunter was the eldest. Joseph F., the second
son, now deceased, served throughout the Civil war as a mem-
ber of the Thirty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Samuel L. is
engaged in the milling and machiner}- business at Swan, Iowa.
Edward died in his youth. Albert L., who completes the family,
resides in Lincoln county, Kansas.

Rufus P. Hunter attended a private school in Virginia, acquaint-
ing himself with those branches of learning which usually con-
stitute the public-school curriculum. He came with his parents
to Iowa, making the trip by wagon, and remained under the
parental roof until twenty-seven years of age. For about six
years thereafter he engaged in farming in Marion county and
subsequently came to \\'ebster county, settling on the tract of
land whereon his remaining days were passed. His farm was
situated on section 26, Roland township, and was an unim-
proved tract when it came into his possession, but he con\erted
the raw prairie into rich fields and developed an excellent farm
property. He first built a small house and little stable, boarded
the sides and covered it with a thatched roof. His first purchase
comprised but eighty acres of land but to that he gradually
added until his holdings embraced three hundred and si.xty acres.
On tlie farm he ])lantcd trees, erected excellent liuildings and
ecjuipped his place with all modern conveniences and accessories.
For many years he was engaged extensively in general farming
and in the raising of thoroughbred stock, formcrl)- making a
si)ccialty of horses ;inil cattle but afterward giving his attention
more largely to raising hogs. He also engaged in selling fruit
trees and plants throughout this district and for three or four
years conducted an implement business, having his heatlquarters
on his farm. Flis sons are now engaged in the machinery busi-
ness and also own and operate a threshing outfit.

In Marion county, Iowa. March 22. 1866, Mr. Hunter was
married to Miss Rachel Metcalf, who was born in Kosciusko
county, Indiana, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Heck) Met-

Vol. U— 14

242 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

calf, both of whom were natives of that state. In 1854 they re-
moved by wagon to Marion county, wiiere their remaining days
were spent, tlie father passing away March 3, 1887, at the age of
seventy-one, and the mother September 19, 1866, at the age of
hfty-nine. In tlieir family were n-.ne children: Isaac, Daniel,
Morris, Franklin, John, James. Elizalieth, Mrs. Rachel Hunter
and Mary. Mrs. Hunter was educated in the common schools
and remained with her ])arents imtil her marriage. She became
the mother of eight chlidren: I'Lha E.len. who died in infancy;
Charles \'., who resides at Callender, Iowa, and married Betsey
Osterson, by whom he lias one child. Roy Harold; Warren D. ;
Mosier D., of Roland township, who married Emma Osterson
and has four children. Ruby I'rauces. Earl. Ernest James and
Russell; Gran (). and W ilham \\ .. who operate the home farm;
Maude I'earl. who is a graduate of Tobin College of I-'ort Dodge,
Iowa, and is the wife of William Croker. of Toston, Montana, by
whom she has three children. Rachel Marie, Frances May and
William Rufus; and Grover C, who in the spring of 1912, married
Miss Cora Kingry and li\es near the old home farm.

In politics Mr. Hunter was a democrat and served as justice
of the peace for twelve years. He was ever much interested in
educational affairs and for many years served as a member of
the school board, acting as its ])resi(lent for sixteen years. b"ra-
ternally he was identified with the Woodmen of the World, be-
longing to Callender Lodge. He was also prominent in Masonic
circles, holding membership in Cjowric Lodge, F. & A. M. ; in the
chapter and commandery at Fort Dodge : and in the Temple of
the Mystic Shrine at Des Moines. All of his sons are members
of the Modern Woodmen i;f America and of the Knights of
Pythias, and Warren Hunter is also identified with the Odd
Fellows and the Masons.

Mr. Hunter may well have been called a self-made man, for he
started out in life empty-handed and by his persistency and
energ}' worked his way upward to a prominent place among the
substantial farmers of Webster county. He merited well the
success that came to him, for in all business transactions he held
to the highest principles of honor and integrity. He was a man
of generous imjiulses and never forgot the hospitable ways of
the early pioneer. Xo one was ever turned from his door who
sought aid or shelter. Throughout his life he was true to every
duty, loyal to his country and devoted to his family and friends.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 243

There was deep and sincere sorrow at his passing, when death
called him on the 30th of June, 1912. Throughout his life he
manifested elements and traits of character worthy of respect
and the world is better for his having lived.

FRANK CRAIG. Sr.

Frank Craig, Sr., is operating a coal mine near Kalo, in Otho
township, and has won success by the practical application of his
knowledge and experience. He has been a miner since the begin-
ning of his active career and for many years worked in the employ
of others before becoming an independent owner. He is today
numbered among the successful men of his district and his pros-
perity is the natural result of his ability and specialized knowl-
edge. Mr. Craig is a native of Wisconsin, having been born in
this state in 1854, a son of Francis and Jane (Coultard) Craig,
natives of England. The father came to America in 1850, set-
tling in ^^'isconsin, where he engaged in mining, which had
been his occupation in his native country. He was acti\e in the
Wisconsin lead mines but finally abandoned his connection with
this industry in favor of general agricultural pursuits. He pur-
chased land which he inipro\ed and operated for many years,
gaining success and ])rosperity as a general farmer and retain-
ing his connection with this occupation until his death, which
occurred in 1894. He had long survived his wife, who passed
away in 1858.

Frank Craig, Sr.. was reared and educated in Wisconsin and
when he laid aside his books innnediatcly began working- in the
lead mines. It was in 1878 that lie moved to Iowa, settling in
Otlio township, where he worked in the coal mines until 1887.
In that year he returned to AVisconsin and operated his father's
farm for nine years, after which he again came to Iowa and located
at Kalo. Here he again engaged in nn'ning. operating coal banks
independently and is now opening up a new mine near his home.

In the fall of 1882 Mr. Craig was united in marriage to Miss
Eva Todd, a daughter of John and Lucy (Shipley) Todd, and
they became the parents of nine children, all of whom are living
but Blanche, who passed away in January. 1898. The others are
Pearl. Belva. William, Lucv. Frank. Jr., Mvrtle, Elsie and Harold.

244 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Politically j\Ir. Craig gives his allegiance to the democratic
party and is one of the trustees of Otho township and at one time
served as school director. He has a fine home in the village and
some excellent town property, besides one hundred and four
acres of land which he owns in partnership with ^\'illiam and
George Lingard. He is prominent in the affairs of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He brings
to the operation of his mining enterprises a practical equipment
in the technical and mechanical details of the occupation, guided
by business judgment and practical common sense. He has many
friends in this section of Iowa, where his business ability is well
known and where his personal qualities have gained for him the
respect and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact.

GEORGE R. PEARSONS.

George R. Pearsons was a prominent figure in the development
of Fort Dodge along material, moral and social lines, and among his
fellow townsmen no man was more honored and respected. He was
one of the pioneer capitalists and land owners here and throughout
the period of his residence in this city contributed largely to general
development and progress while promoting individual interests. He
was born August 7, 1830, at Bradford, A^emiont. and came of a dis-
tinguished line of New England ancestry. The family homestead
being at Bradford.

Tile youth of George R. Pearsons was passed on the old home-
stead. At the age of twenty he removed to Hartford, Vermont, where
he later married Miss Wealthy Porter, a niece of Judge John Porter,
of Quechee. Mrs. Pearsons' death in 1880 is still sorrowfully
recalled by the older residents of I-"ort Dodge. They became the
parents of four children, including Louise, the widow of Senator Jona-
than P. Dolliver. In 1882 Mr. Pearsons married Miss L. W. Waldron,
a talented and highly educated woman, who survives him.

While a resident of Vennont Mr. Pearsons spent several years
in the employ of the Vermont Central Railroad Company and during
nuich of his life was connected with railroad interests. Before his
removal to the west he had filled such a variety of positions with the
Vermont Central that he had thoroughly mastered the intricate de-
tails of railroading. In 1865 he was attracted to Illinois by the oflfer

GEORGE R. PEARSONS

'^ :=

> X

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 245

of employment as agent for the Illinois Central Railroad Company,
with the management of its lands and properties, and from 1865 until
1868 he lived at Livingston, Illinois, devoting his time and energies
to the duties of his position. His ability and practical knowledge in
railroading were valuable assets to him at a later period in his career.
This was demonstrated years afterward when with six other resi-
dents of Fort Dodge, all deeply interested in the progress of the city,
he undertook to build, equip and operate the Fort Dodge & Fort
Ridgely Railroad, which is now a part of the Minneapolis & St. Louis
Railroad.

On his removal to Fort Dodge Mr. Pearsons entered upon a long
and honorable career which made him prominent in that city, win-
ning him recognition as one of its most conspicuous and representa-
tive men. He was closely associated with many activities here, of
both a public and private character. Appreciative of his worth and
ability his fellow townsmen several times called him to office and he
was twice elected and served as mayor. His first tenn began in 1873
and he was again called to that position in 1890. For many years
he was a member of the school board and was always a leader in any
enterprise which sought to promote the material, social and religious
welfare of the city. He passed away on the 14th of July, 1904, and
his death deprived Fort Dodge and the state of Iowa of a distinguished
and representative citizen.

ERICK BLOOM.

A w^ell cultivated and highly improved farm of two liundred and
eighty acres located on section 8, Dayton township, pays tribute
to the agricultural skill and efficient management of Erick Bloom,
a substantial farmer and stockman of Webster county. His birth
occurred in Estrichland, Sweden, on August 17, 1858, and there
he was reared to the age of nine years. His parents, Erick and
Bertha (Parrison) Bloom, were born, reared and married in
Sweden, where the father followed the carpenter's and wagon
maker's trades until 1867. In tlic latter year he emigrated to the
United States with his family, locating two miles north of Ridge-
port, Webster county, where he engaged in farming for two years.
At the expiration of that time he rented some river land in Har-

246 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

din township, continuing his agricultural pursuits until he re-
moved to Dayton. Here he passed away in 1881. The mother
died seven years previously. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Bloom
numbered five, of whom our subject is the eldest. The others, in
order of birth, are as follows: Peter, a farmer in the vicinit}^ of
BufYord, North Dakota; Christine, the wife of Andrew Hayberg,
a farmer in the vicinity of Barnum, Minnesota; Emma, who mar-
ried Isaac Anderson of Burlington, Iowa ; and Celia, the wife of
Albert Whiteman, who is a farmer at Pine Blufifs, Wyoming.

Erick Bloom began his education in his native land and com-
pleted it in the district schools of Iowa. At the age of twelve
years he became a wage earner, beginning as a farm hand, but
later he worked in the coal mines at Lehigh for a time. Although
he worked out in tlie summer he passed his winter months at
home until he was twenty-four, when he began farming as a
renter in Dayton township. He followed this for seven years,
meeting with such lucrative returns that in INIarch, 1891, he was
able to buy two hundred and forty acres of land that formed the
nucleus of his present homestead. Tiie next year he removed
to his farm and has ever since resided there. He is a most indus-
trious man and energetically applies himself to anything he under-
takes. As he directs his activities with intelligence and unusual
foresight and sagacity he has prospered and has increased his
holdings b}^ the addition of another forty acres, his farm now em-
l)racing two hundred and forty acres of land, all of which is under
cultivation and in a high state of productivity. In 1893, Mr. Bloom
built his residence, which is a very comfortable and attractive
farm house, and at various times he lias installed such modern
conveniences and appliances on his place as are consistent with
the spirit of progress he has at all times manifested in his busi-
ness. In connection with general farming he raises a good grade
of stock which he feeds for market, and this is also proving a
lucrative undertaking.

In 1886, Mr. Bloom was united in marriage to Miss Alice Dowd,
a daughter of William V. and Clarissa Dowd, pioneers of Day-
ton township. The father, who was a native of Ohio, of Irish ex-
traction, came to Iowa in 1854, locating in Madison county. The
following year he came to Dayton, locating on a farm on section
21 of this township, where he resided until his death in June,
1900. The mother is still living and continues to reside on the

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 247

farm. She was a widow when she married ]\Ir. Dowd, lier first
husband having been Albert Corbin. Four children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Dowd, of whom Airs. Bloom is the eldest, the
others are as follows : \\'illiam W. and Clara F., twins, the former
living at home with his mother and the latter the wife of Edward
Putzke, a farmer living east of Dayton; and Amanda, the wife of
William Chapman, a ditch, tile and cement contractor of Sac
City, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Bloom have four children : William
v., who is twenty-four, living at home and assisting his father
with the work of the farm; Alaude, who is twenty-two, also at
home; Dorothy Iwana, who was born on January 8, 1908; and
Violet Bernice, whose birth occurred on the 30th of December,
1910. The son, William V., is a member of the Knights of
Pythias.

Mr. Bloom is republican in his political views and has been a
member of the district school board e\er since he located here,
more than twenty years ago. He is highly esteemed in the com-
munity, where he has ever manifested the highest integrity in his
business transactions and has contributed his share in promoting
its development and progress.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORTNEY.

George \\ illiam Fortney, one of the representative and sub-
stantial agriculturists of Webster county, owns and operates a
well improved farm of two hundred acres on sections 18 and 19,
Otho township. His birth occurred in Georgetown, Wisconsin,
on the 28th of October, 1865, his parents being David and Isabelle
(Todd) Fortney, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of
England. The paternal grandfather of our subject followed
farming in Wisconsin and also worked in the lead mines of that
state. Flis demise occurred at Bigpatch, Wisconsin. David Fort-
ney accompanied his parents on their removal to Wisconsin in
the '40s and in that state obtained his education and was reared
to manhood. He assisted his father in the work of the home
farm and subsequently embarked in the mercantile business at
Georgetown, Wisconsin, conducting an establishment of that
character there until iR^jS. In that vear he came to Iowa and

248 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

took up a tract of land in Buena Vista county but soon abandoned
the place and came to Webster county, believing that he could
do better here. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of
land on the present site of the town of Otho, paying twelve dol-
lars an acre for the property. He improved the same and was
engaged in its operation until 1887, when he rented it to his sons.
During the remaining years of his life he conducted a general
store, devoted considerable attention to live-stock interests and
also did an extensive grain business. His demise occurred on the
17th of January, 1901, after a residence of almost a third of a
century in this county, and the community lost one of its most
respected and enterprising citizens. His wife was called to her
final rest November 23, 1901.

George William Fortne}', who was the third in order of birth of
twelve children, obtained his education in Webster county and
was here reared to manhood. When a youth of fifteen he took
charge of his father's farm, operating the same until 1893. Dur-
ing the following year he operated a ditching machine and then
spent a year in cultivating the McBain farm in Elkhorn town-
ship, which he rented. Subsequently he purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land in Pocahontas county, Iowa, operating it
for two years and then leasing the property and returning to
Otho. In 1899 he disposed of the tract and bought the old home
farm in Otho township as well as an additional tract of forty-eight
acres. The house in which he now resides was erected by his
father but he has improved and remodeled the same consider-
ably. His landed holdings embrace about two hundred acres of
farm property on sections 18 and 19 and about six acres laid out
in town lots. In the cultivation and improvement of his property
he has been engaged during the past thirteen years, and the suc-
cess which has attended his efforts as an agriculturist is the
merited reward of industry, energy and good management. He
owns an interest in a farm near Livermore and also in one, foiu-
miles west of Badger, holding the deed to both properties. He
was, formerly, a stockholder in the Fort Dodge Pump Company
and also in the Farmers Elevator Company of Otho, acting as presi-
dent and director of the latter.

On the 28th of November, 1887, Mr. Fortney was married to
Miss Martha Philips, a daughter of Oliver and Mary (Robinson)
Philips, both of whom were born in Syracuse, New York. I\[r.
and Mrs. Fortney have four children, as follows: Grace, the wife

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 249

of Guy Rake, a telegraph operator living in W'ibanx. Montana ;
Arthur, who married IMaud Schnurr and resides on a farm in Otho
township, Webster county; Florence, the wife of Stephen Wood-
bury, who resides on a farm in Otho township; and Clyde, who is
at home.

George William Fortney votes the prohibition ticket, believing
that the liquor traffic is one of the worst evils with which this
country has to contend. He has served as trustee of Otho town-
ship and also acted in the capacity of justice of the peace, dis-
charging his duties in both connections in a highly commendable
and satisfactory manner. Fraternally, he is identified with the
Modern Woodmen of America. His wife is a member of the
Royal Neighbors. His religious faith is indicated by his mem-
bership in the Methodist church, to which his wife and children
also belong. He possesses those sterling traits of character which
in every land and clime win confidence, respect and good-will,
and by the consensus of public opinion he is accorded a promi-
nent place among the valued citizens of Otho township.

PROFESSOR CHARLES V. FINDLAY.

Professor Charles V. Findlay is a member of the firm of Monk
& Findlay, proprietors of Tobin College, at Fort Dodge.
Throughout his life he has been connected with educational in-
terests and has made that institution, of which he is now presi-
dent, one of the strong educational centers of the middle west,
holding to high standards at all times. He was born in De Kalb
county, Illinois, September 12, 1866, and is a son of James A. and
Olive !•". (Goodyear) Findlay, the former a native of Vermont
and the latter of Ohio. The paternal grandfather, James Find-
lay, was a nati\e of Scotland and made farming his life work.
He came to America as a member of the British army in the
War of 1812. His wife was Deborah (Allen) Findlay ami they
were early settlers of De Kalb county, Illinois, with the devel-
opment of which they were actively identified. They died there
when well advanced in years, having fn the meantime reared a
large family comprising James, Margaret, Lavina, Mary, George
and Orin. The maternal grandfather of Professor Findlay was
Lloyd Goodyear, who married Mary Lepper. Both were born

250 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

and reared in New York, but after their marriage moved to Ohio.
From there they came westward to Illinois and settled in De
Kalb county, where they passed away at an advanced age. In
their family were eight children. Henry. Almira. Nelson, John,
\\'illiam, Franklin, 01i\-e and James.

James A. Findla\' was reared in the Green Mountain state and
there learned the caqjenter's and joiner's trades. He made his
wa}' \vest\\ard to Illinois prior to the Civil war, settling near Paw
Paw. in De Kalh county, where he engaged in carpentering. In
1871 he came to Iowa, taking up his abode in Clay county, where
he secured a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, which he
culti\ated and improved for a number of years. In 1877 he re-
moved to \\ cbster county, settling in Otho township, where he
purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres. This he
also improved, greatly enhancing the fertility of the fields, and the
place is still in the possession of the famil}'. The father, however,
has retired. remo\ing to Fort Dodge, where he and his wife ha\e
now li\ed for about fourteen jears. He held various township
offices and has been prominent locall)-, his efforts being a potent
factor in general development and improvement. To him and
his wife were born three sons: George F., born October 23, 1864,
deceased; Charles V., born September 12, 1866: and J. Lloyd, born
August 5, 1868, a resident of Otho townshi]).

Professor Findla\- was about five years of age when brought
to Iowa and upon his father's farm in Webster county he was
reared, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors which
fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He attended the district school
and supplemented his ]irfliminary education by a course in the
normal school at Shenandoah, Iowa. He taught both previous
and subsequent to that period and later entered the Highland
Park College, from which he was graduated in 1891. From the
beginning he demonstrated his ability as an educator and in the
year of his graduation he was elected county superintendent of
schools of Webster county, to which position he was several times
reelected, serving in all for four terms or eight years. Since then
he has been continuously engaged in college work, being con-
nected W'ith Tobin College, an incorporated institution of which
he is the president. This school has an enrollment in all of its
departments of about five hundred students. Excellent work is
being done under able educators, for a high standard is maintained

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 251

in the personnel of the school, in the curriculum and in the
methods of instruction.

On June 29, 1899, Mr. Findlay was married to Miss Mabel
Southwick, the daughter of Franklin B. and Cornelia (Sheffield)
Southwick. She was born at \\'ells, Minnesota, while her parents
were natives of Wisconsin and are now living at Santa Barbara,
California. Of their children, two are living: Mrs. Findlay; and
Mrs. Eva (Southwick) ^\"alden, of Santa Paula, California. Pro-
fessor and ]ilrs. F^indlay have two sons: James Franklin, born July
25. 1900: and Maurice Southwick, born January 29, 1907. Pro-
fessor Findlay is a member of the Congregational church and his
wife of the Church of God. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party and in 1910 and 191 1 he served as a member of
the city council, but otherwise has never sought nor desired pub-
lic office outside of the strict path of his profession. He has all
of the qualifications of an able educator, is a good disciplinarian,
possesses e.xecutive force and administrative direction, and at the
same time imparts readily and concisely to others the knowledge
which he has acquired. He has made the school a part of the city
and one which has had commendable influence in. the educational
interests and the development of this part of the state.

WILLIAM MURRY WILDMAN, M. D.

Dr. William Murry Wildman has become recognized as a highly
efficient representative of the medical profession during the six
years of his practice in Fort Dodge. His birth occurred in Hardin
county, this state, on the 12th of December, 1874, his parents
being William and Asenath (Adams) Wildman. The father, who
was born in Clinton county, Ohio, on the 30th of March, 1847,
came to Iowa with his parents, Seneca and Jane (Hadley) Wild-
man, who located on a fai^m in the vicinity of Iowa Falls, Hardin
county, in 1859. There he met and subsequently married Miss
Adams, a direct descendant of John and John Quincy Adams. The
mother was born in Yadkin county, North Carolina, and is a
daughter of Joel Adams, bur man)' years Mr. Wildman was en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits in Hardin county, but he retired
from active work fifteen years ago. and now he and the mother
are living in F'alacios, Texas.

252 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Dr. W'ildman was reared on the farm where he was born, and
attended the district schools of Hardin county until he was a
youth of seventeen years. His parents were of Quaker extrac-
tion and have always adhered to that faith, so in 1891 he was
sent to New Providence Academy at New Providence, Iowa. He
completed the course there at the age of eighteen, and then en-
tered Penn College, also a Quaker institution, at Oskaloosa. He
left college in 1895 and taught in a district school in the \-icinity
of his home for a year. z\t the expiration of that period he re-
sumed his studies, and was graduated in 1897 with the degree
of Bachelor of Science. He subsequently engaged in the mercan-
tile business in Eldora, Hardin counlv, until the spring of 1903.
In the fall of that year he went to Iowa City, this state, and ma-
triculated in the medical department of. the Iowa State Univer-
sity, taking the homeopathic course. He was awarded the degree
of M. D. on the 13th of June, 1906, and the following day he came
to Fort Dodge and opened an office at 516^ Central avenue. He
was located there for two years, but when the First National Bank
building was completed in 1908 he removed to his present cjuar-
ters, being one of the first tenants in the building. He has a very
pleasant and appropriately furnished suite, at No. 406, and
through his general capaliility and efficiency has succeeded in
building up an excellent practice. Dr. W'ildman is in every way
highly qualified for the profession he has adopted, as he has many
times manifested since locating here. He is a man of pleasing
personality, resourceful and confident and is most conscientious
in his devotion to the interests of his patients.

Eldora, Iowa, was the scene of Dr. Wildman's marriage on the
23d of May, 1901, to Miss Saidie Policy, a daughter of Joseph and
Florence (Sheets) Polley, both deceased. The father was for
many years engaged in farming in Hardin county, but in 1900 he
retired to Eldora, and there he passed away in 1903. One child
has been born to Dr. and Mrs. Wildman, Ruth Irene, whose birth
occurred on the 9th of December, 1902. She is now a student of
the Lincoln school, this city.

Dr. Wildman is a member of the Quaker church of Hardin
county, and Mrs. Wildman belongs to the Methodist Episcopal
church of Eldora. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Fort Dodge
Lodge, No. 248, A. O. U. W., and is grand medical examiner of
this order for the state of Iowa. He also belongs to Fort Dodge
Lodge, No. 306, B. P. O. E. : and Choctaw Tribe, No. 47. I. O. R.,

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 253

also of Fort Dodge. He maintains relations with his fellow prac-
titioners through the medium of his connection with the Webster
County Medical Society and the Iowa State and American Medi-
cal Associations. In politics he is a progressive republican and
served for two years as health officer of Fort Dodge. Dr. W'ild-
nian has been very successful and in addition to his other interests
has a very attracti\e home at 1328 l-'ifth a\enue. Xorth. He is
a man of many admirable traits of character and is popular and
highly esteemed both by the profession and laity and enjoys the
confidence and regard of a large circle of friends.

MARY J. STEVENS.

One of the most efificient business women of \\'ebster county
is Mary J. Stevens, who owns and successfully operates a farm
located on section 13 of Douglas township, which was previously
the property of her father. She is a native of New England, her
birth having occurred in Richmond, Vermont, on the 19th of
July, 1840, and a daughter of Socrates Greenleaf and Harriet
(Jones) Stevens. The father was born in Henderson, Jefferson
county, New York, on the 29th of April, 181 1, but he was reared
and educated in the state of Vermont. There he also learned the
machinist's trade, wdiich he followed for about three years and
then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. On the 13th of
September, 1835, he was married to Miss Jones, who was born in
Colchester, Vermont, on the i2tli of .\ugust, 1812. They passed
the early period of their domestic life in the Green Mountain
state, coming from there to Iowa in 1856. The\' first located in
Oskaloosa, but after a year's residence there they removed to
Webster county, and here the father acepiired the farm, now
owned by our subject. This property, which is located west of
the Des Moines river, was entirely uncultivated when it came into
Mr. Stevens' possession, and he diligently devoted the remainder
of his active life to its develojmient and improvement. Here both
parents passed away, the mother's death occurring on the j(\ of
May, 1888, and that of the father on the T4th of January, 1901.
They were adherents of the Universalist faith, and his political
support Mr. Stevens accorded to the democratic party.

254 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Miss Stevens was a girl of fifteen years wiien she accompanied
her parents on their removal to Iowa, where she has ever since
made her home. Her education was begun in the schools of her
native state and completed in Oskaloosa. After they removed to
A\'ebster county she engaged in teaching, following this profes-
sion for twenty-two terms. Her services then being required at
home, she gave up her work and devoted herself to her parents
during the remainder of their lives. She is a woman of more than
average capability, and has a thorough understanding of farming
and stock-raising, as is substantially evidenced by the appear-
ance of her well kept fields and the condition of her stock. She
exercises intelligence and good judgment in the direction of her
interests and has prospered in her undertakings. The place is
provided with an adequate equipment, the barns and outbuild-
ings are substantially constructed and in good repair, while in
1906 she replaced the old farm house with a modern residence,
which is one of the largest and linest in the countv. Her present
mode of living is in violent contrast to that of her girlhood,
which was passed on the same farm but amid pioneer conditions,
while she is now surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences
of a modern civilization. Miss Stevens attends the various
churches but has never identified herself with anv one denomina-
tion. She has always been keenly interested in intellectual pur-
suits and keeps closely in touch with the trend of the times, being
thoroughly informed on all current topics, on which she has well
defined views.

ARCHIE D. McQUILKIN.

Archie D. McOuilkin has for the past ten years been success-
fully engaged in business at Fort Dodge as a dealer in furniture,
carpets, drapery and queensware, and his establishment at No.
817 Central avenue is artistic and attractive throughout. His
birth occurred in \\'cstmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the
13th of January, 1864, his parents being Samuel and Ann Eleanor
(Kerr) McQuilkin, who were likewise natives of the Keystone
state. His paternal grandparents were Robert R. and Jane
(Richey) McQuilkin.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 255

Samuel McOuilkin, the father of our subject, was reared in
Pennsylvania and followed farming throughout his active career.
In 1866 he came west to Iowa, locating in Benton county, where
he continued to reside until called to his final rest in 1878. He
was widely recognized as a substantial and esteemed citizen of
his community and ably served in the capacity of justice of the
peace. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian. His widow, who
is still living at the age of eighty-nine years, also belongs to that
church. To them were born eleven children, six sons and live
daughters, eight of whom grew to maturity, namely: Joseph K.,
who is a resident of Waterloo, Iowa ; Robert R., living in La-
porte City, Iowa; Andrew, \vho has passed away; Belle, the wife
of L. U. W'oodley, of Gait, Iowa; James L., who is deceased;
Xanna, the wife of John W illmore, of Fort Dodge; Ella, who is
deceased; and Archie D., of this review.

The last named was but two years of age when his parents re-
moved to Benton county, this state, and there attended the dis-
trict schools in the acquirement of an education. When about
fifteen }'ears of age he left the home farm and began clerking in
a drug store at Laporte City, being thus employed for eighteen
months, while subsequently he conducted a meat market there
for four years. On the expiration of that period he went upon the
road as a traveling salesman for a publishing concern, covering-
Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. Later he embarked in
business at Burlington, Iowa, as a dealer in furniture, jewelry,
carpets and queensware, there conducting an establishment of
that character for ele\en years. In 1902 he came to Fort Dodge
and, as above stated, has remained in business here to the pres-
ent time. His store, comprising several floors, has forty-four
thousand feet floor space or over an acre and is crowded with
one of the most extensive and finest assortments of furniture,
carpets, rugs, pictures and chinaware to be found in the state
of Iowa. Mr. AlcOuilkin is accorded a large and well merited
patronage, for he is a man of splendid business ability and keen
discernment. He carries an attractive and artistic line of goods
at reasonable prices and does everything in his power to please
and satisfy his customers.

On the 17th of June, 1889, Mr. McQuilkin was united in mar-
riage to Miss Jennie Kline, a native of Pennsylvania and a daugh-
ter of Elisha and Sarah Kline, who were likewise born in that
state. They became early settlers of Blackhawk county, Iowa,

256 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

and there spent the remainder of their hves. Elisha KHne and his
oldest son, Alonzo, participated in the Civil war. Mrs. McQuil-
kin was one of a family of two daughters and five sons, the others
being as follows: Alonzo, Willis, Albert, \Villiam, Bo3'd and
Mariette, who died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. McOuilkin have
been born three children : Merope, who died at the age of two
months; Marion, who passed away when two years old: and
Marjorie, who is now twelve years of age.

In his political views Mr. McOuilkin is republican, while fra-
ternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His religious faith is indi-
cated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, to which his
wife also belongs and of which lie is serving as president of the
board of trustees. Through his enterprise he has won success
in business and through his fidelity to upright principles he has
commanded the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.

MICHAEL F. HEALY

Michael F. Healy, a Harvard man and also an alumnus of Michi-
gan University, brought to the starting point of his career certain
rare gifts including a strong personality, an excellent presence and
marked strength of character. These, combined with a thorough
grasp of the law and the ability to correctly apply its principles, have
been the factors in his effectiveness as an advocate. He is now prac-
ticing as a member of the firm of Healy & Healy, with offices at No.
62oy2 Central avenue, Fort Dodge. He is a native of Lansing, Iowa,
born April i, 1863, and comes of Irish ancestry. His paternal grand-
father, Michael Healy, died in Ireland in 1845 when fifty-six years of
age. His wife, Mrs. Eleanor Healy, afterward came to America and
l>assed away in Lansing. Iowa, at the very advanced age of eighty-
nine years. In their family were five children, Michael, Thomas F.,
Hannah Daley, Mary Sullivan and Nanna. After the death of her
first husband Mrs. Healy became the wife of James Hinchon, and
they had three children, Cornelius, John W. and Julia McGuough.

The eldest child of the first marriage was Michael Healy, the father
of Michael F. Healy, of this review. He was born in County Cork,
Ireland, and left there when a boy of fifteen or sixteen years. Cross-
ing the Atlantic he settled first in Massachusetts, working in the

M. F. IIEALY

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 259

mills there for a time, but on the ist of January, 1850, he enlisted for
service in the regular United States anny, with which he remained
for fi\e years. On the 14th of March, 1855, he wedded Catharine
Murphy, who was also a native of County Cork, and a daughter of
Patrick and Mary (McCarty) Murphy. Mr. Murphy was a farmer by
occupation and both he and his wife lived to old age. Their children
were: Sarah Stuart, of Newton, Massachusetts; Ellen Murphy;
Hannah Taggart; Elizabeth McNamara; Patrick Murphy; and Catha-
rine.

Following their marriage Michael and Catharine (Murphy) Healy
removed westward to Allamakee county, Iowa, where he followed
farming for eight years and also served as county treasurer for four
years. He then turned his attention to merchandising at Lansing,
Iowa, and conducted his store until 1882, when he removed to Fort
Dodge, where he engaged in the agricultural implement business for
several years. In the meantime he purchased four hundred and eighty
acres of land in Webster county in 1868. His judicious investments
and liis bu.'^iness activity brought him a substantial measure of suc-
cess and after retiring from the implement business he spent his re-
maining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest to the time of his
death, which occurred June 3, 19 10, when he was efghty-four years of
age. His wife passed away June 5, 1908, when seventy-four years
of age. Both were loyal members of the Catholic church. They had
a family of nine children: Ella, who is the widow of Matthew Joyce;
Mary, the widow of P. H. Vaughan ; .\nna; Michael F. ; Thomas D.,
who died January 15, 1910; William M. ; Elizabeth, who is in a con-
vent in Philadelphia, engaged in the Drexel educational work of edu-
cating the negroes; Robert, a partner of Michael; and Catharine.

Michael F. Healy was reared in Lansing, Iowa, until nineteen
years of age, and has since li\ed in Fort Dodge. He was a pupil in
the public schools of his native city and in Notre Dame University at
South Bend, Indiana, before entering Harvard University. His prepa-
ration for the bar was made as a student in the law department of
the University of Michigan and he was admitted to the bar on the
1st of October, 1885. He at' once opened an office in Fort Dodge,
where he has since remained in active practice. He throws him-
self easily and naturally into an argument with the self-possession
and deliberation which indicates no straining after effect. There is a
precision and clearness in his statement, a ([uietness and strength
in his argument which speak a mind trained in the severest school of
investigation, and to whicli the closest reasoning is habitual and easy.

260 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

On the 30th of June, 1891. Mr. Healy was married to iMiss Mary
E. Kemdt, a daughter of Moritz and Mary (Nimsgern) Kerndt, of
Lansing, Iowa. Mrs. Healy was born in that town while her father
was a native of Saxon\^ Germany, and her mother of Alsace Lorraine.
In 1856 they established their home in Lansing, where they still re-
side. In their family were eight children, Gustav M., Charles M.,
William M., Mary E., Clara M., Anna, Moritz and Catharine. The
paternal grandparents of Mrs. Healy were Mr. and Mrs. John Chris-
tian Kerndt. The former died in Gemiany and the latter in Lansing.
They had a large family, including Hemian, Gustav, W^illiam, Moritz,
Julius, Clara, Haas, Emma Boeckh, and Mrs. Rieth. The children of
the maternal grandfather were five in number: Mary Kerndt, Anna
Kennedy, Emma Stowers, Mrs. W'uest, and Anna L'rmersbach.

Mr. and Mrs. Healy have six children. Kerndt M., Thomas ]\I.,
Ruth, Margaret. Eleanor and Catharine. The parents are members
of the Catholic church and Mr. Healy belongs to the Knights of
Columbus, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of
Pvlhias, the Arcanum, the Ancient Order of L'nited Workmen and
the Sons of Herman. In politics he is an earnest democrat and is a
recognized leader of the party, having served as chairman of the
democratic state central committee in 1896 and 1897, yet he has ne\er
sought nor desired office for himself, preferring to concentrate his
energies upon his professional duties whereby the firm of Healy &
Healy has become one of the leading law firms of Fort Dodge.

PETER M. ^IITCHELL.

One of the foremost business men of Fort Dodge a decade ago
was the late Peter M. Mitchell, founder of The Mitchell Imple-
ment Company, a thri\ ing enterprise of liie city, which stands as
a monument to his unceasing diligence and energy. He was born
at Marseilles, La Salle county, Illinois, on April 9, 1853, a son of
Patrick and Anne (Kennedy) Mitchell. The father was a native
of County Galway, Ireland, wdience he emigrated to the L'nited
States with his family in the late '40s. He located in La Salle
county, Illinois, and engaged in farming until 1855, when he re-
moved to Webster county, Iowa, and resumed his agricultural
pursuits in Badger township. His efforts met with good financial

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 261

returns and lie subsequently retired to Fort Dodge, where he was
hving at the time of his death. The mother is still living and now
makes her home at 425 Xorth Ninth street, this city.

Peter M. Mitchell was only a child of two years when his parents
removed to Iowa and here he passed the remainder of his life.
He began his education in the district schools of Badger town-
ship and continued it in Fort Dodge high school, after which he
became a student at Ames College, Ames, Iowa. He was soon
compelled to lea\e college, owing; to the state of his health, and
for ten years thereafter engaged in teaching in ^\'ebster county.
In 1882 he withdrew from this occupation and went into the
implement business with Clemmon L. Granger, wIkj is men-
tioned elsewhere in this work. 'J'heir store was located on the
public scjuare in the building now occupied by the Granger Com-
pany. They were associated together for fifteen years, but at
the expiration of that time, Air. ]\litchell withdrew from the busi-
ness and founded The Mitchell Implement Company. This is a
wholesale and retail establishment and is located at 601 to 611
First avenue. South. It has prospered from its incipiency and
is now ranked as one of the leading implement stores of the city,
the controlling interest in the business still being in the posses-
sion of Mr. jMitchell's heirs. He was president and manager of
the company until the time of his death, and as he was a man of
progressive methods, foresight and sagacity in the conduct of this
enterprise he adopted a policy which commended him to the con-
fidence of all with whom he had transactions and won him the
cooperation of his patrons. In addition to his interest in this
corporation, he had acquired (luite extensive and \aluable real-
estate holflings in AX'ebster and adjoining counties of northwest-
ern Iowa, and he was a stockholder in several local enterprises,
among them the I'ort Dodge Light & Power Conqianw the Ole-
son Land Company, the Alineral City Park Association, the Iowa
Land & Loan Comi)any, and tlie F'irst National Bank, all highh-
reputable and prosperous business enterprises.

In Fort Dodge, on the 21st of January, 1884, Mr. Mitchell was
united in marriage to Miss Sarah Furlong, a daughter of Richard
and -Anna S. CRyan) Furlong. The parents were both natives
of Maine but of Irish extraction. Mrs. Furlong's grandfather
was born in Nova Scotia and her ancestors participated in the
War of 1812. They were among the pioneer settlers of Webster
county, where for a time Mr. Fnrli>iig engaged in farnu'ng. Later

262 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

he withdrew from this occupation and coming to Fort I>odge
opened a general mercantile store. He subsequently became as-
sociated with J. M. Mulroney in the conduct of this establish-
ment, but after tiiey dissolved partnership, Mr. Furlong located
at II to 13 North Fifth street, the site now occupied by Furlong
& Brennan, where he continued in business until his death in 1892.
Mr. Furlong was twice married, his second union being with Miss
Nora Moriarity, of Dubuque, Iowa, who died in 1899. Six chil-
dren were born to ]\Ir. and Mrs. Mitchell, as follows: Marcia,
who has been teaching in Minnesota, now at home; Anne, a for-
mer teacher in a private school in Washington, D. C, and now
connected with the public library at Fort Dodge ; Richard, who
graduated from the law department of the Iowa State University
with the class of 191 2; Alice, who is attending school in Milwau-
kee; Granger, a member of the class of 1912 of Fort Dodge high
school; and Katharine, also a student of the high school.

The family are all communicants of the Roman Catholic church,
as was likewise the father, and belong to Corpus Christi parish.
Mr. Mitchell was a member of Fort Dodge Lodge, No. 306, B. P.
O. E., and his political support he gave to the democratic party.
He was always an active and earnest worker on behalf of his
party and took a prominent part in local campaigns. He held a
prominent position in the community and was numbered among
the foremost representatives of the commercial fraternity of the
city, in the progress and development of which he was one of the
dominant factors.

JOHN A. LINDBERG.

John A. Lindberg, president of the Farmers State Bank nf Day-
ton, has for many years been numbered among the foremost busi-
ness men of Webster county, while he has occupied an equally
prominent position in the public life of the community. He was
born in Victoria. Kno.x county, Illinois, on the 29th of December,
1850, and is a son of John and Christine (.\aronson) Lindberg.
The parents were both natives of Sweden, the father having been
born in 1815 and the mother in 1819. and there they were also
reared and married. John Lindberg entered the service of his
country in his early manhood, but as the future seemed to promise

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 263

little or nothing in Sweden and he had heard wonderful stories of
the possibilities afforded in America, he obtained a substitute and
withdrew from the arm}- at tlie end of live years. Together
with his wife and family he emigrated to the United States in
1849, sixteen weeks having been spent on the water before they
dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. They made their
way inland to Victoria, Illinois, where the father engaged in
farming until 1856. In October of tliat year the family again
started w-estward, \\'ebster county being their destination on this
occasion. The father first settled on what was supposed to be
government land but later proved to be river land in Hardin
township. In 1857 he preempted a quarter section, which lie
cultivated until 1877, when lie removed to a farm tliree miles east
of Fort Dodge. Tlie parents continued to reside there until 1881,
when they went to Badger and made their home with a daughter,
Mrs. P. A. Houge. There the father passed away in 1893. He
was sur\ived by tiie mother, whose death occurred six months
later. The paternal grandfather of our subject w-as John Mood,
who was in the volunteer service of the King of Sweden, for
twenty-four years, having entered the army immediately after at-
taining his majority and having remained in the service until he
had reached the age limit, fort_\-fi\e years.

John A. Lindberg, who was a lad of si.x years when his parents
removed to Iowa, began his education in the district schools near
Boonesboro, Boone county, Iowa. After graduating from the
high school in the latter ])lace he matriculated in the law depart-
ment of the Iowa State Uni\ersit\- at Iowa Citv. from which in-
stitution he was granted the degree of LL. B. with the class
of 1871. He was admitted to the bar innnediately after attain-
ing his majority but has never practiced. After leaving the
universit}- he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, with
which he Iiad l^een familiar from early l)oyhood. and for two
years thereafter devoted his entire time and energies to farming,
three miles east of Fort Dodge. In 1880 he came to Dayton
and purchased the "Dayton Review." a weekly newspaper w hich
had been established here the year previously, ^fr. T.in(ll)erg
edited this journal for ten years, and during that period developed
it into one of the best papers in the county. As he is a public-
spirited man. of progressive ideas and enterprising methods he
made it a prominent factor in the development not onlv of the
town, but of the entire section. It was a clean, wholesome sheet,

264 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

noticeably free from scurrilous attacks on the candidates of the
opposing party during political campaigns, while its columns
were always used to defend the weak or champion any good
or worthy cause. In 1890. Mr. Lindberg sold his paper to J. G.
Durrel and withdrawing from the field of journalism engaged in
the real-estate and insurance business with August Lillyard.
Three years later, together with several other local business men,
he organized the Farmers State Bank, of which he has ever
since been president. They incorporated the institution for
twenty-five thousand dollars, but they have since increased their
capital stock to forty thousand dollars, and have a ten thousand
dollar surplus. It has always been conducted in strict accordance
with a most conservatixe policy, and as a result it has de\'elopecl
into one of the thriving and substantial financial institutions of
the county. The ofificials are all men of recognized standing and
un(|uestionable integrity, who are well known in local business
circles. C. J. Swanstrom is vice president: E. M. Lundeen,
cashier; and TJ. J. Christensen, assistant cashier, while the direc-
tors are as follows: C. A. Lundblad, S. A. Burnquist: li. B.
Charles Staymen ; G. S. Ringland: and John BloniI;erg. In addi-
tion to this connection with the bank Mr. Lindberg is identified
with the fire and life insurance business, in which he has met with
excellent success.

On the 7th of June, 1874, Mr. Lindberg was married to Miss
Amelia A. Brundien, who was born at Victoria, Knox county,
Illinois, on the 2d of October, 1852. She is a daughter of William
and Ellen Brundien. both natives of Sweden, whence they emi-
grated to the I'nited States in 1848. Upon their arrival in this
country they located at Bishop's Hill. Illinois, where they were
subsequently married. In 1857 they came to Iowa, settling in
Dayton. Here the father passed away in 1862 but the mother
sin"\ived him for many years, her death occurring in 1905. Two
sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lindberg. both of whom have
made highly creditable records in business and public life. Clar-
ence J., the elder, who was in the government service and spent
a year in Cuba during the Spanish-American war, having been
a member of the first United States pack train that left San .\n-
tonio, Texas, owns and operates a large cotton plantation at Edna.
Jackson county, Texas. He married Miss Luna Dedmon, of
Texas, and they have one son, the onh^ grandchild, who was
christened John W'., but is called "Billy." Arthur C. the younger

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 265

son, is now serving as county treasurer of Webster county. He
was for se\eral years assistant cashier in the Fanners State
Bank of Dayton, and subsequently ser\ed for four years as deputy
county treasurer under Peter Hadley.

^Ir. Lindberg's view^s in reHgious matters coincide witii the
principles of the Unitarian faith and he is afifiliated with the
American Unitarian Association. He is a Mason and also be-
longs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, while in politics he is
a stanch republican. During the long period of his residence in
Dayton, ^Ir. Lindberg has always been one of the leaders in
municipal affairs, and for twenty years he served in the town
council. In 1878 he was elected justice of the peace in Dayton
township and has continuously discharged the duties of this office
since that time, a period of thirty-four years. He has several times
filled the mayor's chair, while he was postmaster under both Presi-
dent Garfield and President Harrison, and for several years he was a
member of the school board. He was once nominated for county clerk,
but was defeated by a heavy democratic majority. Mr. Lindberg is
one of the highly esteemed citizens not only of Dayton but of Webster
county, where he has established an enviable reputation, his career
both as a Inisiness man and a public official being noticeably free from
any imputation that could reflect upon his character. He is a man who
would be an acquisition to any community because of his high
standards of citizenship, progressive spirit and disinterested help-
fulness in all matters pertaining to the common welfare.

CHARLES C. KNUDSON,

Charles C. Knudson is the proprietor of the only general store
in Badger, keeping a full and u])-to-date line of merchandise and
operating his establishment in an up-to-date and progressive
way. He is interested in local business expansion aside from his
activities as a merchant and holds stock in \arious other enter-
prises, Ijeing public-i>])irited to a marked degree and an active
fact<ir in the develo])ment of the section in which he was born.
Mr. Knudson's birth occurred in Badger township, September
30, i87_'. and he is a sun f)f Christ and Anna ( \rent ) Knudson. na-
tives of Norway. The father emigrated to America in 1860 and
subse(|uent1_\- located on a farm in Badger township in 1868, com-

266 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COL'XTY

ing to this section from Illinois, where he had settled upon his
arrival in America. He enlisted in Henshaw's Battery and served
for four years in the Civil war, returning to Illinois after the
close of hostilities. In that state he was married and there
farmed for two years before eventually locating in Badger town-
ship. Here he purchased one hundred and sixt_\- acres of land
which he improved and cultivated for a number of years, adding
to his holdings from time to time until he at length possessed nine
hundred and sixty acres and was among the most extensive land-
owners in the section. He w^as engaged in general agricultural
pursuits upon this property for thirty-six years and then retired
from active life. mo\ing to the town of Badger, where he has
since resided. He is one of the leading and important citizens
of the section, is vice president of the Badger Savings Bank and
still owns four hundred and eighty acres of fertile and productive
land in Webster county.

Charles Knudson was reared at home and received his early
education in the public schools of Badger township, completing
his studies at Highland Park College of Des Moines. He later at-
tended Toljin College at Fort Dodge, graduating from that insti-
tution with the class of 1896. After laying aside his books he
accepted a position in the employ of the Peavey Elevator
Company, working first at Badger and then at Lake Mills, Iowa.
After two years he went to Fort Dodge, where he clerked in a
shoe store conducted bv a Mr. Rudesill for a similar period of
time, returning finally to his native section, where he established
himself in the mercantile business. He was successful from the
beginning and his prosperity has come as a natural result of
his industry and ability. Owing to a recent fire in the business
section of the village Mr. Knudson is the projjrietor of the only
general store. He carries a large and varied stock of goods and
owns the building in which he conducts his business. He is one
of the leading and prominent merchants in Badger, operating his
enterprise along modern lines and interested in the general
growth and welfare. He is one of the officers of the Badger Tele-
phone Company, is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Com-
pany of Badger, and is also a stockholder in the Corn Belt Packing
Companj^ of Fort Dodge.

In May, 1896, Mr. Knudson was united in marriage to Miss
Catherine \\'illianis. a daughter of Michael and Mary ( Keilly)
^\"illiams. To their union have been born two children: Charles

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 267

A., who is eight years old; and Robert A., aged three. Air.
Knudson is a progressive republican and is serving as president of
the school board. He is a member of the town council, has
served since January 3, 1907, as postmaster of the village, and is
doing able and effective work in local politics. He belongs to
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, holding his member-
?hip in the I^^ort Dodge lodge, and is a devout adherent of the
Lutheran church. Mr. Knudson devotes most of his time to the
management of his store and to the operation of his other affairs,
which are ably conducted, making him one of the leading business,
men in Badger.

AMBROSE R. WRIGHT.

Ambrose R. Wright is a retired farmer, living at the corner of
Fourth avenue and Fifteenth street in Fort Dodge. The eighty-
three years of his life record present many admirable and substan-
tial qualities of manhood and of citizenship and he has ever enjoyed
the high regard and confidence of those with whom he associated.
He was born in Sullivan, Sullivan county, New York, Septem-
ber 30, 1829. His grandfather, Samuel Wright, served his country
as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and in days of peace fol-
lowed farming for many years in Sullivan county, New York.
He had three sons, Samuel, Daniel and John. The first named
was reared in Sullivan county and became a farmer, hunter and
trapper. He was sent for by farmers miles distant from his place
of abode to catch wolves that were killing sheep and he received
thirt_\- dollars bounty per head. He always kept two guns and
was a remarkably ;iccurate shot. He had several encounters with
wild animals, as thrilling as any tale of fiction. At one time his
clothing was all torn from his 1)ody by a*bear, which he killed
with a club after an exciting l)attle, managing to escape with his
own life. He had wounded the bear with squirrel shot, and this
only angered the aniiual, which then attacked him. lie was well ad-
vanced in years when he went to Indiana to visit two si.sters who
were living there. That winter he proceeded to Wi.sconsin on
a hunting and trapping expedition and had exciting times
with the Indians, who would steal his game from the traps. Later
he returned to Xcw ^■ork. where he died .-diout \H^j. when sixty-

268 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

two years of age. In earl}- manhood he married Frances Curry,
also a native of the Empire state and a daughter of Stephen and
Anna Curry, who were Hkewise born in New York, wliere her
father followed the occupation of farming. He lived to the very
remarkable old age of one hundred and two years. In his family
were seven children, Thomas, Frances, John, \Villiam, Stephen,
James and another daughter. Of these Frances became Mrs.
Wright and, surviving her husband for a number of years, she
passed away in 1865, at the age of sevent\'-three. Both were con-
sistent Christian people, holding membership in the ^lethodist
church. Their children were eight in number, six of whom
reached years of maturity: Thomas; Stephen; Anna, who mar-
ried Henry Denman; Daniel; Ambrose R. ; and Tamar, who
became the wife of Morgan Hornbeck.

. Ambrose R. AX'right was reared in Sullivan county, New York,
early becoming familiar with all the experiences that fall to the
lot of the farm lad. His education was largely acquired in one
of the old-time log schoolhouses. furnished with slab seats, which
were supposed to have been planed ofif but an occasional hem-
lock sliver would make the small boy realize that he was not
sitting on a polished board. The farmers in the neighborhood
contributed the fuel, taking turns in hauling wood for the tires,
and the school boys would have to chop it. Some times the
children would take the benches outside and put them along in a
row in order to make a slitle, wiiich furnished amusement during
the recess ])eriod.

No event of special importance occurred to \arv the routine
of farm life for .\mbrose \\ right in his boyhood and youth. On
the 2(1 of January, 1850. however, he made arrangements for
having .h h<inie of his own through his marriage to Miss Diana
Bowers, a daughter of rainier Bowers. In July. 1907, when in
her seventy-sixth year she jiassed away in the faith of the Presby-
terian church, of which she was a devoted member. She was
<born in Sullivan county. New York, in 1832 and her parents were
also natives of that state. Avhile her paternal grandfather was
a soldier of the Revolutionary war. To Mr. and Mrs. Wright
were born eleven children: Frances: Silas; Edgar; .Mice; Viola;
Leone; .Annie; Dr. Oscar Wright, who resides in Dakota; Dr.
Clark, deceased, formerlv of El Paso. Texas; Earl; and one, who
died in infanc\'. There arc also over thirtv grandchildren and
a number of great-grandchildren.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 269

l-ollo\ving- liis marriage Mv. Wright continuetl to reside in tlie
Empire state until 1877. when lie came to Iowa and settled on
a homestead alxmt ten miles west of Fort Dodge, securing a
claim of eighty acres. He afterward bought and sold land and
at one time was the owner of four hundred acres. After carrying
on farming for twenty-eight years in Webster county he took up
his abode in Fort Dodge, where he has since lived, and here he
built tliree houses, which he still owns and which bring him a
good income. Although past eighty-three years of age, he is well
preserved, possessing all of his faculties, and is quite active for
one of his years. He began life a poor boy, without assistance,
and has since made his own way in the world. He and his esti-
mable wife experienced and endured the hardships and privations
incident to pioneer life but met all uncomplainingly, traveling life's
journey happily together and sharing each other's joys and sor-
rows. It was their aim to set before their children a good example,
to live peaceably with all men and to do unto others as they
would be done l)y. The noble qualities of his nature have won for
]\Ir. Wright the high regard and friendship of all with whom
he has come into contact. He is one of the worthy old settlers
of the county and it is with pleasure that we present his record
to our readers.

WALTER ]>()\\ERS.

One of the most attractive properties of Douglas township is
the two hundred acre farm of Walter Powers, whose capably di-
rected energies have ranked him among the representative agri-
culturists of Webster county, .\lthough the greater part of his
life has been passed in the west, he is a son of New England, his
birth having occurred in Maine in July, 1842. His father, Steven
Powers, was a native of the same state, while the mother, whose
maiden name was Alary Culwrll. was born in i'enns\-l\ani;i.
Their family numbered three sons and two daughters, all oi
whom lived to attain maturity. Mr. and Mrs. Powers made their
home in Maine until the s])ring of 1856, when they removed to
Iowa with their family, locating in Webster county. Here the
father, whose energies were always dr\dlcd to farming, bought
three hundred and twenty acres of l.-ind. It was entirelv without

270 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

improvements and had never been even broken, but with the
persistent diligence characteristic of the New Englander he soon
had erected the necessary buildings for the comfort of himself
and family and then applied himself to the plowing of his fields.
He later increased his holdings by the purchase of an adjoining
tract of two hundred acres, all of which had been placed under
cultivation and had been converted into a well improved farm
before he passed away in 1880. He was sur\i\ed by the mother,
whose death occurred in 1900.

The life of Walter Powers has not been unusual in any respect,
but is that of the average man whose years are passed in the
country. When old enough to begin his education l\e entered the
district schools of his native state, \\hich he attended until he
came to Iowa with his parents. As he was only lourteen years of
age when the family located in Webster county, he here resumed
his studies, contimiing to attend school until he had mastered
the common branches. He was early lirought to realize the re-
sponsibilities and duties of life, and can hardly remember when
he had not some definitely assigned tasks which had to be per-
formed regularly. When still a school boy he worked in the
fields and before attaining his maturity was familiar with the
jiractical methods of agriculture. He lived on the home farm
until after the death of the parents when he and his brothers
bought the interest of their sisters in the homestead, which they
subsequently <livided. Mr. Powers recei\ed as his portion his
present holding, which was entirely unimproved. During the
inter\-ening years a comfortable residence and substai^ial barns
and sheds ha\e l)een erected, while as his circumstances have
warranted he has added many minor improvements and modern
inventions. Thus he has not onh- increased the productiveness
of his farm, but he has added greatly to its attraoli\eness as a
place of residence, both of which ha\e contributed to its value.
Diversified farming and stock-raising ha\e always been Mr.
Powers' main source of revenue, and under his systematic and
capable direction both have ])ro\en \ery remunerative.

In June, 1877. Mr. Powers was married to Miss Katie McTntyre.
?nd to them have been born six children: Steven, William and
John, who are deceased ; Mary Ann ; Aileen : and Leon \\'., who is
a student at the Chicago University.

The church connection of the family is that of the Roman Cath-
olic, and politic'illv Mr. Powers stanchly supports the demo-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 271

cratic party. He takes an interest in all township affairs and has
served for several years as trustee. He is a man who is always
ready to serve in any public capacity and after the Spirit Lake
massacre joined one of the regiments organized to protect the
settlers from the Indians. Mr. Powers has prospered in his under-
takings, but it is the success which invariably rewards the man,
w^ho energetically applies himself to acquiring a thorough mastery
of the business he is engaged in and utilizes the knowledge thus
eained in an intelligent manner.

PETER A. HOUGE.

On July 24, 1908, occurred an event which was the occasion of
genuine sorrow in the village of Badger as well as in the sur-
rounding districts, for on that date Peter A. Houge, who had been
an honored and respected citizen of the county for forty years,
passed away. Mr. Houge had for many years been engaged in
farming and in various business activities in the section and was
mayor of Badger when he died. He was, therefore, widely and
favorably known and had a wide circle of friends. He was a na-
tive of Wisconsin, having been born in this state on June 26, i860,
and was a son of John and Carrie (Dahl) Houge, natives of Nor-
way. His parents came to America at an early date and located
in Wisconsin, where the father farmed for a number of years
finally coming to Iowa where he settled in Webster county. In
1868 he took up land in Badger township which he improved
and operated until his death which occurred on November 11,
1892, when he was sixty-nine years of age. His wife survived him
until 1905. dying in .\ugust of that year.

Mr. Houge has been a resident of Badger township since he was
eight years of age. His education was received in the public
schools of this section and he remained at home until he had
attained his majority. When he was twenty-one years of age he
jjegan active life for himself, renting one of his father's farms
and operated the same for several years with gratifying success.
He purchased this property and carried on general agriculture
until 1890. when he moved to the village of Badger and established
himself in the merchandise business, conducting a store and farm-
ing at the same time for about one year. He later disposed of

272 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

his general mercantile business and conducted a hardware store
which he operated successfully and along the most progressive and
modern lines until iiis death which occurred in Jul}-, 1908.

In January, 1882, Air. Houge was united in marriage to Miss
Elinor E. Lindberg, a daugiiter of John and Christine Lindberg,
natives of Sweden. Her father came to America at an early date,
settling in Illinois where he farmed for a number of years coming
later to \\'ebster county where he purchased land in Harden town-
ship which he operated and developed until September. 1893.
Both parents were making their home with Mrs. Houge when
they passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Houge had four children: Irene
E., the wife of Frederick Dorheim, of Badger; Arnold E.. who is
a hardware merchant in the same village; Clifford K.. who is a
successful furniture dealer; and Pearl L.. who passed awav in
January, 191 1.

In his political affiliations Mr. Houge was a firm republican
and always actively interested in the welfare and progress of his
section. He held many township oiilices and was mayor of Badger
at the time of his death. He was a member of the Modern Wood-
men of America and well known in the affairs of that organiza-
tion. He was an active and industrious man, of a good business
and political ability, being systematic and efficient in the conduct
of his mercantile business, and upright, conscientious and ])ublic
spirited in his official life. His prosperity was of the solid kind
which is the outgrowth of merit and his business was kejit sub-
servient to his duties of citizenship. His death caused widespread
regret which was a genuine tribute of sorrow for the close of
a worthy life.

REV. JAMES J. DOLLIVER.

The term "bather Dulli\er,'" by which he was everywhere known,
indicated how high was the position which the Rev. James Jones Dolli-
ver held in the regard and love of his fellowmcn. It is a name that
transcends that of any title, indicating the closest possible relationship
in all that is beautiful anil sacred in life. In his later years, as the
result of his far-reaching efforts in the ministry and the noble life
which he led, he became known as leather Dolliver throughout the
entire country, and especially in Washington, where his last days were

REV. JAMES .1. D0LL1\ER

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 273

passed in the home of his distinguished son, J. P. DolHver. A native
of Saratoga county. New York, he was born in 1816, a son of Captain
Henry and Mary (Van Vorhees) DolHxer. The former was captain
of a ship running between New York and Lixerpool and served in the
War of 181J. Captured by the British, he was sent to Dartmoor
prison in England, being released at the cessation of hostilities, after
which he returned to America.

James J. Dolliver acquired his education in the public schools of
New Jersey, where he spent his early boyhood and afterward engaged
in teaching school. He was truly a self-made man so far as regards
college education, but in the school of experience he learned many
valuable lessons. He learned to know and interpret human nature,
to understand and sympathize with human weaknesses and to
encourage and promote the better cpialities. Taking up the profession
of teaching, he was throughout his life an educator, not in the limited
sense of giving instruction in the rudimentary branches or even in the
classics and sciences, but a teacher in the broader sense of preparing
the individual for life's responsible duties. On leaving the east he
removed to Ohio and engaged in merchandising in Columbus. While
there living he was converted and, resolving to devote his life to the
cause of Christianity, became a minister of the Methodist Episcopal
church. For more than a half century he was thus in active connection
with the church, preaching in Virginia and in West Virginia, where
he was particularly interested in the educational affairs of the church.
He was ever proud of the fact that he had been a circuit rider in Vir-
ginia, carrying the gospel into isolated homes and districts where there
was much need of the cheering word and message of religion.

At Kingwood, Preston county, Virginia, Mr. Dolliver was mar-
ried to Eliza Jane Brown, a daughter of Robert Brown of that place.
The family to which she belonged was one of the oldest and most
distinguished in the state, her uncle, William G. Brown, being a mem-
ber of congress when the state of West Virginia was formed. The
children bfirn unto Mr. and Airs. I)(jllivcr were the Rev. Robert II.
Dolliver, who married Mary Ella Barrett, of Ohio; the Hon. Jonathan
P. Dolliver. who married Louise Pear.sons, of Fort Dodge, Iowa;
Victor Brown, who wedded Augjusta Larrabee; Marv', the wife of Ed-
win R. Graham, of Ohio; and Margaret Gay Dolliver, who now occu-
pies the position of dean of women at Morningside College.

The Rev. James J. Dolliver gave his political allegiance to the
republican party and with him politics meant one of the (lci)artnients

274 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

of citizenship, wliich term always carries with it a sense of obligation
and responsibility as well as of privilege. He was concerned with the
vital sociological, economical and political questions of the day as well
as with the great moral problems, and his influence was ever a permeat-
ing force on the side of progress, reform, justice and truth. He lived
with his son, the Hon. Jonathan P. Dolliver, during the latter's public
career in Washington and was honored and beloved by all who knew
him. He died in the capital city at the ripe old age of eighty-nine years
and was laid to rest in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Thus ended the earthly
career of "Father Dolliver" but his memory is enshrined in the hearts
of all who knew him and his influence is felt in the lives of all who
came under his teaching.

LUTHER HERBERT PRATT.

Luther Herljert Pratt, who lives upon his farm on section 22,
Otho Townsliip, was born in Granville, Licking county, Ohio, on
the nth of February, 1843. His parents were Luther M. and
Chloe D. (Moore) Pratt, both of whom were natives of (iran-
ville. The father, a wagon maker by trade, worked at tiiat
occupation in Granville for a number of years. Subsequently he
followed farming in the Buckeye state until the spring of 1866,
when he came to Webster count}', Iowa, and purchased eighty
acres of land on section 28, Otho Township. Later he bought
additional tracts of land until he owned a farm of two hundred
and twenty-two and one-half acres. Here his wife died Xoven>
ber 8, 1878. He married again, in 1880, his second wife being
Jane M. (Kennedy) Madden. After this he spent part of his time
on the farm and part in Gowrie, Iowa. His demise, howe\er. oc-
curred in South Dakota, October 21, 1890, wliile lie was in that
state on business. His second wife died in Rockford, Washing-
ton, July 29, 1900.

The subject of this sketch was reared in the state of his nati\ity
and worked at home for his father until 1862. Then came the
call of President Lincoln for volunteers, and August 15, 1862,
Mr. Pratt enlisted as a private in Company A, Eighty-eighth Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, and remained with that command until he was
nuistered out, July 3, 1865. After the war he came to Webster
county, Iowa, and lived with his parents for several years. In 1875
he rented a farm in Otho township, devoting his attention to its opera-

^0

I

uJ

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 277

tion for three years. Tlien, in 187S, he went to Chnton county, Iowa,
where for one year he owned and conducted a drug store. Later, in
1879, he was appointed postmaster of Charlotte, and acted in that
capacity for six years. With the change of administration, when
Cleveland became president, he was relieved of the office. Soon after,
in April, 1886, he returned to Webster county, Iowa, and cultivated
rented land for eight years. Subsequently in 1894, he purchased sixty-
five acres of liis present farm, on section 22. Otho township, and
began the improvement of the place. The farm house is situated
en the bluffs overlooking the Des Moines River valley, and is
surrounded by native timber, making a pleasant and attractive
property. This with some additional land, afterward purchased,
still remains the home of Mr. and Mrs. Pratt.

On the 29th of August, 1875, Mr. Pratt was united in marriage
to Miss Vergenia L, Markham, a daughter of Elijah and Zurviah
Mary (Shaw) Markham, both of whom were natives of New
York, and where she herself was born March 22, 1854. The
father, a carpenter by trade, worked at that occupation in the
Empire state until April, 1855, when he came to Iowa, locating at
Charlotte, Clinton county. There he continued the work of his
trade and spent the remainder of his life, passing away on the
4th of November, 1904. His wife had previously died on the
8th of January, 18S5. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt have one son, Harlow
M., who is an attorney of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and the editor of
this history.

In politics Mr. Pratt is a stanch republican. He has served
as trustee of Otho township and has also filled the offices of as-
sessor and school director at different times. His religious faith
is that of the Congregational church, while his wife is a
Methodist.

HIK.\M H. BALDWIN, M. D.

Dr. Hiram II. Baldwin is one of the well known members of

the medical fraternity of Webster county, having been actively

and successfully engaged in the practice of this profession in

Clare for twenty years. He was born in De Kalb, Illinois, on the

12th of Seincml)er, 1849, and is a son of Smith 1). and S.-irali D.

(Hopkins) llaldwin. natives of Ohjf) and .Salem, New ^'ork, re-
voi. n— 16

278 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

spectively. At the age of twenty-one years, the father enlisted
as second Heutenant under Captain John Chapman of the Third
Ohio Infantry and went to the front in the Mexican war. He
enlisted at Tiffin. Ohio, on the 3d of June, 1846, and remained in
the service for thirteen months. A blacksmith by trade, when
mustered out of the army he went to DeKalb, Illinois, and es-
tablislied a wagon and blacksmith shop, which he conducted for
many years. He also entered a hundred and sixty acres of land
and engaged to a limited degree in agricultural piu'suits in con-
nection with working at his trade. In 1869. he remo\ed with his
family to Calhoun county, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of
land in the \icinity of Lake City. The development of his farm
engaged his entire time and attention during the remainder of
his life, his death here occurring in August, 1872, at the age of
forty-seven years. He was long survived by the mother, who had
nearly reached the eighty-seventh anniversary of her birth before
passing away on January 6, 1912.

Dr. Baldwin was reared and educated in his nati\e town, where
he passed the first twenty years of his life. After leaving the
public school he learned the printer's trade, which he followed in
DeKalb for four years. He accompanied his family on their
1 emo\-al to Iowa and assisted his father with the cultixation of
the home place until 1871. During that time he also assisted in
establishing and operating the first newspaper in Calhoun county.
In the fall of "71, he returned to DeKalb and began the study of
medicine under the direction of his uncle. Dr. Robert Hopkins.
The iiext year he matriculated in the medical department of the
Northwestern University and there continued his professional
studies for a year. Having exhausted his funds at the expiration
of that period he was compelled to go to work in order to accpiire
the means to continue his education. The next foiu' years he was
employed at various vocations, resuming his studies in the fall
of 1878. He remained in college during the succeeding two years.
l)eing graduated with the class of 1880. Upon receiving his degree
he returned to Lake City, where he established an office and en-
gaged in the practice of his profession until the 251I1 of August.
1892, when he disposed of his interests at that point and came to
Clare. Here he has ever since been located and has met with a
good measure of success in building up a practice. He owns a
nice residence and business building on Main street, and is held
in high regard in the commiuiity both as a re])resentati\e of his

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 279

profession and as a private citizen. In addition to his private
practice Dr. Baldwin is the local examiner for several of the old
line insurance companies.

In March, 1882, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Baldwin
and Miss Margaret A. Hines, of Janesville, Wisconsin. She is
a daughter of Patrick and Johana Hines, natives of Ireland,
whence they emigrated to the United States in earl)^ life.

Dr. Baldwin is not identified with any church but Mrs. Baldwin
is a Roman Catholic. He votes the democratic ticket, and while
living in Calhoun county took an active interest in politics, having
been the first mayor of Lake City, where he also held the office of
postmaster from 1886 to 1890. He is a member of the County and
State Medical Societies, through the medium of which organiza-
tions he maintains relations with his fellow practitioners. A
residence in Clare covering a period of more than twentv vears
has enabled Dr. Baldwin to prove himself to be not onlv a skilful
physician and surgeon but a man of many estimaljle qualities and
traits of character, which have served to win him the stanch
loyaltv of a large circle of friends.

PATRICK T. BURKE.

Patrick T. Burke has been engaged in the general merchandise
business in Barnum, Iowa, for many years, having a record of
almost twenty-five years of continuously successful activity in
one location. By being always upright and straightforward in
his methods and standards of operation and liy keeping his stock
of the highest quality he has become known as the most trust-
worthy tradesman in the village and has gained well deserved
prosperity. He was born in Johnson township, February i, 1865,
and is a son of Philip and Bridget (Connors) Burke, natives of
Ireland. The father came to America in 1852, settling fust in
Illinois, where he worked at railroading. In 1857 ho came to
Webster county and entered land near Clare, Johnson township.
.■\fter proving his title he moveil upon the property, which he
operated and developed until 1870. when he disposed of his hold-
ings and went to Calhoun county. Here he again purchased land
and farmed along progressive lines until his death, which oc-
curred in September, 1877. He was killed in a runaway accident.
His wife survived him until December. 1907.

280 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Patrick Burke was reared at home and educated in the pubHc
schools of Webster county, where he has spent his entire Hfe.
He remained with his parents upon the home farm until he at-
tained his majority, subsequently establishing himself in the mer-
cantile business, when he formed a partnership with Tom Con-
nors in the conduct of a general store and the association con-
tinued for a year and a half, after which Mr. Burke purchased
]\Ir. Connors' interest and has since continued the enterprise
alone. He is at present located upon the site where his business
was founded in 1888. He has met with some reverses but has on
the whole been unusually successful. His store and some of his
stock were destroyed by fire on June 10, 1902, when the entire
business section of the village was wiped out with a loss to the
community of thirty thousand dollars. Fifteen substantial build-
ings were burned to the ground, among them Mr. Burke's store.
He immediately afterward erected a fine, one-story brick building
which he now occupies. He owns the double brick structure ad-
joining this and is a stockholder in the Farmers F.levator Com-
pany and the Barnum Telephone Company. He has been very
successful, having founded his prosperity upon high standards of
commercial honor and integrity. He has never sold his home
farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Calhoun enmity and this
is now an additional source of income to him.

In his political affiliations Mr. Burke is a consistent republican
and has served as secretary of the Barnum school lioard for twenty
years and also did able work as a member of the town council.
He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and to
the Modern AN'oodmen of .America. He has built up gradually
an enterprise which is now important in retail trade circles of
Barnum. seeking no success more conspicuous than that which he
has attained in his reputation as a clean and practical business
man.

EDWARD BURGFRIED.

The late Edward Burgfried was one of the natives of German3%
who came to America practically empty-handed and through his
inherent diligence and tiirift ultimately liecamc numbered among
the prosperous agriculturists of \\'el)ster county, owning at the

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 281

time of his demise two hundred and forty acres of well cultivated
land in Douglas township. His natal day was in Alarch, 1843,
and his parents Doniinicus and Margaret (Mangold) Burgfried,
who passed their entire lives in Germany, where the father fol-
lowed the profession of architecture.

The first thirty-one years in the life of Edward Burgfried were
passed in the land of his birth. Feeling convinced at the ex-
piration of that time that America afforded better opportunities
to the enterprising man than were to be found in his native land
he took passage with his wife and family for the United States.
They located in Fort Dodge, this county, in 1874 and there for
three years he followed the carpenter's trade. He next turned
his attention to agricultural pursuits and in 1877 I'ented a farm
in Douglas township, in the cultivation of which he met with such
success that the next year he was able to buy an eighty acre tract.
He kept on increasing his holdings from time to time, as he was
able, until he held the title to two hundred and forty acres. He
engaged in the development of his property until his death, which
resulted from an accident, on the 23d of October, 1883. He was
plowing a field, and had taken with him to his work a gun in
order that he might shoot any game he saw; in some way it was
discharged and he was instantly killed.

In Germany in November, 1867, Mr. Burgfried was united in
marriage to Miss Crescenzia Knoevley, a daughter of Jacob and
Rosina (Egenter) Knoevley. The father, who was a farmer, en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits in his nati\e land until about fif-
teen years prior to his death, which occurred in January, 1890.
The mother, who has now attained the venerable age of ninety
years, still makes her home in Germany. Ten children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Burgfried, as follow^s : Theodore, who died in
Germany in 1869; Cireak, who died in 1871 ; Max, who is a
farmer in South Dakota : Edward, who lives at home ; Theo-
dore, who is a resident of Des Moines; Mary Frances, the wife of
William Murphy, a farmer of Douglas township; Joseph and
George, who are at home; Rosina, the wife of James Dwyer, of
Johnson township; and Adolph E., .who is attending the State
University.

Mrs. Burgfried, who is now sixty-five years of age, having been
born on the 17th of December, 1847, is a woman of unusual ex-
ecutive and business ability. After the death of her husband, to-
gether with her sons she continued the operation of the farm.

282 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

As she is practical and a capable manager she prospered in her
undertakings, and has added to her acreage until she owns five
hundred and sixty acres of highly improved land.

In matters of faith Mr. Burgfried was a Roman Catholic, as
are also his widow and family, while his political support he ac-
corded to the republican party. He vi^as a man of many excel-
lent qualities and was highly esteemed in his community, where
he had shown himself to be honorable and upright in all matters
of business, and was in every way a desirable citizen.

CHARLES FAVERSHAM BUNCOMBE.

The history of Fort Dodge bears evidence of the professional
and commercial activity of Charles Faversham Buncombe, who
since 1884 has been identified with journalistic interests here
and at the same time has become a factor in the manufacturing
and financial circles of the city. He was here born February 20,
1864, a son of John F'rancis and Mary A. Buncombe. The father
was a prominent and influential resident of Fort Bodge, where
he settled in April, 1855, becoming a pioneer lawyer of this then
frontier village. He was born October 22, 183 1, in Wattsburg,
Pennsylvania, and was educated in Allegheny College of Mead-
viile, Pennsylvania, and Central University of Banville, Kentucky.
He read law in his native town and for a year practiced in Penn-
sylvania, but in April, 1855, came to Fort Dodge, where he won
prominence in professional circles. In 1857, when the news of
the Spirit Lake massacre reached this cit\', he was active in rai.s-
ing troops to march against the Indians and as captain of a com-
pany went to the defense of tiie frontier. In 1S58 he wedded
Mary A. Williams, daughter of Major William Williams. The
following year he was elected to the state senate and later was
twice a member of the lower house. In 1872 he was chairman of
the Iowa delegation to the national democratic convention at
Baltimore, and in 1892 was selected to present the name of Horace
Boies before the national democratic convention of that year for
president. He served for sixteen years as regent of the State
University and at the same time he continued a prominent repre-
sentative of his professioTi. serving for thirty-si.x years as attorney
for the Iowa division of the Illinois Central Railroad, also as

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 283

attorney for the Alasoii City & Fort Dodge Railroad, the Des
Moines & Fort Dodge and the Cherokee & Dakota Railroads,
practicing- over twenty-five counties in the state. He was also a
leading factor in the development of the coal interests of his
part of Iowa and as such contributed largely to material progress.
His labors were indeed a large factor in the growth and upbuild-
ing of the section in which he lived and his intense business and
professional activity were combined with a high sense of honor
that made him one of the most esteemed citizens of Fort Dodge.
His \vife, who came to this city with her parents in March, 1855, is
now president of the Webster County Historical Society. John
F. Dunconibe was a charter member of the chapter and com-
mandery of the Masonic fraternity here and was also a Scottish
Rite Mason. In politics he was a stalwart democrat. He re-
mained a resident of Webster county until his death, which oc-
curred August 2, 1902. In the family were three sons and two
daughters: William E., Charles F., Mary J., Gertrude and John A.

Charles F. Duncombe pursued his education in public and
private schools and in the State University but did not reach
graduation. He was a young man of but twenty years when he
became identified with the jniblication of a newspaper in Fort
Dodge and he has since been closely associated with journalistic
interests here, being now sole owner of the Fort Dodge Daily
Chronicle, which is one of the best known and leading journals
of the state. In its colunnis he has discussed vital public ques-
tions relating to municipal affairs and to state and national wel-
fare. His position has alwa3s been characterized by a progres-
siveness that has its root in ])ractical methods. In business cir-
cles, too, Mr. Duncombe has made a creditable name and place
for himself. For fourteen years he was actively identified with
the manufacture of gypsum products and in addition to being a
stockholder in the United States Gypsum Company he is also
financially interested in the Monarch Telephone Company, the
Fort Dodge National Bank and in farm lands, beside owning
town property, including the building which is the homie of the
Chronicle.

In public office Mr. Duncombe has also left the impress of his
individuality upon the welfare of the city. He was postmaster
trdui 1H04 until i8f)8 and niaynr fmni 1906 until 1908, when lie
declined to become a candidate for reelection. In 1908 he was
honored bv the democrats of Iowa bv being named as one of the

284 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

four delegates-at-large to the Denver convention. At the piesent
writing he is president of the school board, a director of the
Chautauqua Association and a director of the Country Club,
all of which goes to show the nature and breadth of his interests.
His military history covers service as first sergeant of the first
company organized in Fort Dodge. His political allegiance has
always been given to the democratic party and he is well known
in fraternal relations, holding membership with the Knights of
Pythias, the Red Men and the Moose. Of the first named he has
been chancellor commander and keeper of the records and seals.
On the 22d of November, 1887, at Fort Dodge, Mr. Duncombe
was united in marriage to Miss Antoinette Hull, a daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. George M. Hull. The father, who was a leading
dry-goods merchant here, died in December, 1884, and the mother,
who had lived here from her childhood, coming with her parents
from Harvard, Illinois, passed away on the 17th of September,
1912. Mr. and Mrs. Duncombe have two children, John Faver-
sham and Carl Milton. The family attend the Episcopal church,
of which Mr. Duncombe and his wife are members, and Mr.
Duncombe also is a vestryman. They have been lifelong resi-
dents of this city and have a circle of friends here almost coex-
tensive WMth the circle of their acquaintance. His varied business
interests and his official service have brought him prominently
before the public and none question the sincerity of his interest
in the welfare of the municipality, for this has found tangible proof
in his many acts for the city's good.

VICTOR BROWN DOLLIVER.

Victor Brown Dolliver was a representative of the highest type of
citizenship. He stood for those things which are most worth while in
life — the highest physical, mental and moral development — and his
beliefs and s}mipathies found expression in tangible efifort for the
good of his fellowmen. He worked for the benefit of the majority
in his political activity, in the church and in many other ways, ever
progressing toward the high ideals which he had set up. He was bom
in Kingwood, W^est Virginia, IMarch 18, 1861, a son of the Rev. James
Jones and Eliza Jane (Brown) Dolliver. He was early possessed of a

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HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 285

desire for an education and walked from five to seven miles to attend
elementary schools. He afterward availed himself of the opportunity
of pursuing a three years' course at the State Normal Scliool at Fair-
mont, West Virginia, and he also attended De Pauw University at
Greencastle, Indiana. He at length completed a course in Cornell Col-
lege at Mount Vernon, Iowa, in 1887 and was graduated from the
Columbia Law School at Washington, D. C, in 1891. He became
widely and favorably known through his efforts in the field of teaching.
He was principal of the public schools in Cowrie, Iowa, and afterward
accepted the jxisition of principal of the Methodist Seminary in Salt
Lake City, Utah. In the latter position he came in close contact with
Mormonism and was a leader of the Gentile element in opposition to
the admission of Utah as a state because of the power which would
thus be given to Mormon influence. His wise and judicious invest-
ments in real estate at length made him an extensive landowner, for as
he profited in one sale he would make further purchases until his hold-
ings were large and important.

]\Ir. Dolliver's boyhood days, spent upon the borderland between
the great contending sections of the country, gave him a hatred for
slavery and a love for the Union that resulted in his becoming an
ardent advocate of republican principles. With him, to believe in a
cause was to espouse it and he became a prominent political speaker,
holding the attention of his auditors when he addressed them upon the
vital and living questions of the time.

In 1896 'Sir. Dolliver was married to Miss Augusta Larrabee. the
eldest daughter of ex-Governor Larrabee, of Iowa. During her
father's four years' term as go\ernor of the state she was prominent
and popular in the social circles of the capital, winning the love and
friendship of all with whom she came in contact not only among the
residents of Des Moines but throughout Iowa as well.

Mr. Dolliver was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal
church and one of the most prominent laymen in that denomination in
Iowa. He went as a member to the general conference in Los Angeles,
California, in 1904 and he was unfailing in his efforts to promote the
upbuilding of the church in every possible way. From the time of his
wife's death in 1899 he seemed to live for others rather than himself.
He was continually helping the poor, visiting the sick, sending beauti-
ful flowers to cheer the sickroom or speaking words of comfort and
peace to the sufferer. He loved his church and had made extensive

286 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

plans for its future that its work might be extended and its influence
broadened. A gift of ten thousand dollars to Morningside College a
few months before his death was one of his last important efforts to
promote the growth of the church. His life was indeed of far-reaching
influence and benefit, and the world is better for his having lived.

AUGUST MOLLENHOFF.

August ^lollenhoff is among the well known fanners of Webster
county, where he is successfully engaged in the cultivation of a highly
developed farm of one hundred and twenty acres located on section
21, Burnside township. He was born in Andover, Henry county, Illi-
nois, September 5, 1862, and is a son of Hans and Sophia (Larson)
Mollenhoff, both of whom were natives of Sweden. The father came
to America about 1850, coming to Andover, where he married in
1853, and went to Pike's Peak, Colorado, at the time of the gold ex-
citement in 185S. He remained there for two years and then returned
to Andover, Henry county, Illinois, w here he took up employnient as
a mail carrier and in that occupation continued for a period of ten
years. He was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Larson, a daughter
of Peter Larson, who emigrated to America and settled in Andover,
Henry county, Illinois, in 1849. It took six months to make the trip
from Sweden, fourteen weeks of which were si)ent crossing the
Atlantic. Peter Larson was first married in Sweden and had a
family of two daughters and one son. His wife died at the time he
emigrated to America and was buried at sea and lie later married
Sophia .\nderson. and to that union one daughter was born. The
mother died and Mr. Larson was later married and to his third union
a large family was born. He died in Andover, Henry county, and
was there buried. To Mr. and Mrs. Hans Mollenhoff six children
were born. J. P., who is engaged in the drug business in Stanton,
Iowa, married Clara Anderson, of Geneseo, Illinois. Sarah, who
became the wife of A. W. Johnson, of Andover, passed away in
December. 1884, at the age of twenty-four, leaving one son, Reuben,
and was buried near McPherson, Kansas. August, tfie subject of
our .sketch, is the next in order of birth. Matilda is the wife of .-Mfred
Rosenquist and resides in Burnside township. Ernest, who is engaged
in the produce business, married Sadie Freed, a daugliter of C. J-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUx\'TY 287

Freed, and resides in Stanton, Iowa. Edward wedded Emma Peter-
son and resides on the old home farm. The father of this family,
Hans Mollenhotf, came to Burnside in 1881 and died at the age of
eighty-one and was burieil at Dayton cemetery. At the time of his
death he owned a farm of one hundred and twenty acres adjoining
the town of Burnside. He also owned land near Lehigh, but never
improved the property as it was heavily timbered and the animal in-
crease in timber value was sufficient to make it a good investment
without in any way, disturbing its condition. This property is now
owned by his widow, who resides with her daughter, Mrs. Alfred
Rosenquist.

August Alollenhoff was reared in his parents' home and received
his elementary education in Henry county, Illinois. At the age of
about eighteen he settled in Burnside township, Webster county, Iowa,
where he was engaged at work for a number of years, after which he
removed to Omaha, Nebraska, and after spending five years in that
city, he returned to Burnside township and later lived for one year
in Gowrie, Iowa, where he was engaged in the paint and furniture
business. He then returned to Burnside, where he established a
furniture store, which he conducted for one year. He then purchased
from E. H. Litchfield one hundred and twenty acres of unimproved
land located on section 21, Burnside township, where he established
his home and has since continued to reside. He has improved the
place with suitable farm buildings and has also planted ornamental
and fruit trees of various kinds. The county ditch crosses Mr. Mol-
eight hundred dollars. In addition to the drainage value of that ditch
lenhoff's farm, the expense of which to him in assessed ta.xes was
he has also thoroughly tiled the entire place. He raises mixed grains
and also makes a specialty of pure-bred Hereford cattle and hogs.

Mr. Mollenhoft' was united in marriage to Miss Emily Anderson,
a native of Sweden. Her father is deceased but her mother still lives
in Sweden. To Mr. and Mrs. Mollenhoff six children have been born :
Laura, who is attending Tobin College; Alma, a pupil in the public
schools of Burnside township; and Raymond, Harley, Mabel and
Clarence, aged respectively thirteen, eleven, eight and six years, all of
whom are attending school. Mr. Mollenhoff at one time was affiliated
with the republican party and served as constable of his township for
ten years, and was justice of the peace for one tenn and has been a
school director for seven years. lie is at present affiliated with the
republican party and he and his family are members of the Lutheran

288 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

church, yir. Mollenhoff is numbered among the \ery successful
farmers of Burnside township and is a man wlio is highly resiiected
for his integrity in all business transactions and who by public opinion
is placed among the useful citizens of his part of the state.

EDGAR H. WILLIAMS.

Edgar H. Williams is well known in business circles of Fort Dodge
as secretary, treasurer and manager of the E. H. Williams Lumber
Company, which concern he organized. His birth occurred in Bur-
lington, Wisconsin, on the 22(1 of May, 1868, his parents being Ed-
gar and Cornelia (Law) Williams, both of whom were natives of
New York. His paternal grandfather, a native of Wales, and an
agriculturist by occupation, became an early settler of Bartlett, Oneida
county. New York. Both he and his wife attained a ripe old age and
reared a large family of children. George W. Law, the maternal
grandfather of our subject, was a native of New York, and a farmer
by occupation. Both he and his wife, who bore the maiden name of
Harriet Blakesley, were well advanced in years when called to their
final rest. Their children were eight in number.

lidgar W illiams, the father of E. H. U'illiams. was reared in
Oneida county. New York, and Itecame an early settler of Burlington,
Wisconsin, wliere he embarked in business as a manufacturer of
farming implements, carriages and wagons. He there passed away
in 1 87 1, at the comparatively early age of thirty-seven years. His
widow is still living and makes her home at Canastota, New York.
He gave his political allegiance to tiie republican party, was a Baptist
in religious faith and fraternally was identified with the Indeiiendent
Order of Odd Fellows. His widow is also a devoted member of the
Baptist church. Tiieir children were five in number, namely: Rhoda
Gertrude, who is the widow of W. E. Barott and resides in Canas-
tota, New ^'ork; Clarence B., who makes his home at Morningside,
Sioux City, Iowa; Florence J., who is the widow of E. A. Haines and
lives in Canastota, New York; Edgar H., of this review ; and Charles,
who died at the age of three years.

Edear H Williams, whose name introduces this review, was three
years of age when his father died and when taken by his widowed
mother to Bartlett. New "S'ork. where he grew to manlioixl. He pur-
sued his early education in tiie common schools, later attended the

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 289

Canastota high school and then continued his studies in Cook
Academy at Havana, New York. He spent two winters as a district
schoolteacher and in 1888 came to Iowa, operating a farm in Douglas
township, \\'ebster county, for three years. On the expiration of that
period he took up his abode in Fort Dodge and for nine years acted
as manager of the lumberyard owned by G. W. Mason. During the
following year he had charge of four yards in southern Iowa and
subsequently spent five years as manager of the Citizens Lumber Com-
pany of Fort Dodge and four years as manager for the Townsend &
Merrill Company of this city. Feeling that his capital and experience
justified him in embarking in business on his own account, he then or-
ganized the E. H. Williams Lumber Company, of which he has been
the secretary, treasurer and manager to the present time. He is a
man of splendid business ability and sound judgment, and under his
direction the enterprise has enjoyed continued growth and success.
On the 18th of July, 1892, Mr. Williams was united in marriage
to Miss Carrie E. Winter, who was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
on the loth of October, 1869, her parents being William and Anna
(Terry) \\'inter, both deceased. The father was a native of Eng-
land and the mother of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. They had six
children, as follows: Carrie E. ; James; Florence; W^illiam; Adelia;
and .\nna. who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have one
son. Robert Law, whose natal day was June 7, 1895.

In ix)litics Mr. Williams is a republican and for nine years he has
been a member of the school board. He is a worthy exemplar of the
Masonic fraternity, belonging to Ashlar Lodge, No. iii, F. & A. M.,
and also to the chapter, R. A. M. He is a deacon in the Baptist
church, to which his wife also belongs. Throughout the period of his
residence in Fort Dodge, covering about a quarter of a century, Mr.
Williams has maintained an unassailable reputation for business en-
terprise and probity, while the sterling worth of his character has
gained him the friendship of those with whom he has come into
contact.

CURTIS G. MESSEROLE.

Curtis G. Messerole is one of the cntcri)rising citizens of W^ebster
county, located at Gowric, and is successfully engaged in the grain
and lumber business. He was burn in Clayton county, Iowa, Janu-
ary 3, 1864, and is a son of Jacol) and Mary (.\bbott) Messerole.

290 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

The paternal grandparent was of Welch stock, being born in
Brooklyn, New York, settling later in Ohio, where his family was
reared, moving subsequently to Michigan, where he died at the ad-
vanced age of ninety-four years. The father was a nati\e of Brook-
lyn, New York, moving with his parents to Ohio, where he resided
until 1852, wlien he moved with his wife and one child to Clayton
county. Iowa. He later went to Manchester, in Delaware county,
where he engaged in the coal, wood and ice business, also being the
owner of two farms, including two hundred acres of land in Dela-
ware county. The mother was a native of Ohio and was descended
from Puritan stock. They were the parents of eight children, of
whuni ihe subject of this review was the youngest.

Curtis G. Messerole was reared in his parents' home and received
his education in the public schools of Iowa. After completing his
school course he was engaged in working on a farm until he was
eighteen years of age. In 1882 he went to Correctionxille, Wood-
bury county, Iowa, and there took up work as lx>okkeeper and sales-
man for a lumber company, with whom he remained for nearly four
years, afterward engaging as bookkeeper and buver for a grain firm,
and later with a hardware and implement house, remaining
with this firm until he moved to Kingsley. Iowa, in 1888. In 1890
he moved to Sterling, Illinois, being employed as manager of a
transfer and clearing house for a large grain concern, where he re-
mained until coming to Harcourt, Webster county, Iowa, in 1894,
engaging in llie grain and live-stock business on his own account.
In tlic year 1897 he returned to Sterling, Illinois, where he again
took up his work for tiie same firm, remaining there for five years
or until 1902, when he came to (iowrie. Iowa, and became the man-
ager of the I'anners Elevator Company, having been in the service
of this company continuously for ten years.

In 1904 he was one of the organizers of the Farmers Grain Deal-
ers Association of Iowa, and served as its secretary and organizer
for seven vears. A year later he organized the company which pub-
lislicd tlie .\nierican Coo])erative Journal, an organ devoted to the in-
terests of cooperation, serving as the president and editor of this
paper for six years, after which he relinquished the editorial work but
still serves as president of the company.

Mr. Messerole was united in marriage, November 4, 1885. at Cor-
rectionville, to Miss Mary C. Kissinger, a daughter of Isaac and .\de-
lia (Nicholson) Kissinger, the fomier a native of Pennsylvania and
the latter of New York. TIic nrnthcr is of Fnglisli descent and the

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 291

tatlier of German extraction. The paternal grandfather as a young
man prepared for the legal profession but never engaged in the prac-
tice of law. He later became interested in music and has de\'oted
full}' fifty years of his life to teaching.

To Mr. and Mrs. Messerole three children have been born. Ger-
trude A. is tlie w ife uf Arthur Lind(|uist, both being graduates of the
Go-.\Tie higli school. She subse(|uently took a course at Tobin Col-
lege at Fort Dodge, and he a course at Augustana College at Rock
Island, Illinois. Mr. Lindquist is employed with his father and
brother in conducting the First National Bank at Gowrie. To Air.
and ]\lrs. Lindquist one son has been born, .\rthur Lindquist, Jr.
Floy A. Messerole, the second daughter, is a graduate of the Gowrie
high school and is employed as her father's bookkeeper. Kenneth
Messerole is the only son and is a student in the Gowrie high school.

Mr. J^Iesserole is a member of the Masonic lodge at Gowrie, the
Chapter and Commandery at Ford Dodge, and the Consistorj' at Des
Moines. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America
at Gowrie, the Knights of Pythias at Gowrie, and the Royal Neigh-
bors at Sterling, Illinois. He is now serving his second term as mayor
of Gowrie. has been a member of the town board for two terms, and
is serving his tliird term as meml)er of tlie l)oard of education, of
which he is president. He is one of the enterprising, successful busi-
. ness men of Gowrie and is held in high esteem by all his friends and
associates.

WWLTER T. POST.

Walter J. Post, who is manager of the store of Post & Company,
dealers in general merchandise, and also in hay and corn, at Lehigh,
is a prominent resident of that city and has sen'ed for eight years
consecutively as trustee of Sumner township. He is a son of O. B.
and Annie E. Post and was born in (jrcen count}, Wisconsin. He
lived with his parents on a farm until se\enteen years of age, and
in 1886 came with his parents to Webster county, Iowa, settling on a
farm of two hundred acres, which they later sold. The store of Post
& Company was then estahlislieil. wiiich is iwnv managed hv W . J.
Post. The fatlicr passed a\\a\- at tiie age of si.\ly-ii\c years. :uui
was buried in the Lehigh cemetery. He was a faithful member of
the Christian cluirch. His wife now resides in this citv and is tlie

292 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

owner of the Post & Company store. She has reached the age o""
seventy-six years and is very active and energetic. ■■''

Waher J. Post still resides with his mother. He is one of five chil-
dren, the others being: Arthur, who resides in Oklahoma; Mrs. Mary
Hall, a widow, of Hampton, Iowa; Charles, of Lehigh, Iowa, who also
resides with his mother and is connected with the store; and Harr\-,
the youngest, who is located at Des Moines, Iowa, and is city pass-
enger agent for the Great \\'estern Railway.

Walter J. Post received his early education in the public schools
of Wisconsin and later attended school in Webster township. Ever
since the oj^ening of the store of Post & Company he has been asso-
ciated with the same and has been the general manager. In his polit-
ical views he is a democrat: but in local party issues he votes for the
man whom he considers to be best qualified to fill the office. He
has ever been very acti\e in all local party measures and is now a
member of the city council on the independent ticket, having been a
member of the council for six years. He also has been trustee of Sum-
ner township for eight consecutive years on the democratic ticket,
Mr. Post is greatly interested in reform and progress and has been a
very helpful factor in the general im])rovement. Active and energetic,
he is an enterprising business man of Lehigh, displaying those traits
of character which in every land and clime awaken respect and ad-
miration.

A. F. DAUGHEXBAUGH.

A. F. Daughenbaugh is successfully engaged in the banking and
real-estate business in Gowrie. He was born in Dayton, Webster
county, l-"e1)ruar\' 13, 1872, and is a son of A. R. and Henrietta
( Richey) Daughenbaugh. The paternal grandfather, James Daughen-
baugh, was by occupation a miller. He removed from Pennsylvania to
Illinois and settled in Freeport, Stephenson county, where he con-
tinued to live during the remaining years of his life. The maternal
grandparents were Jasper and Martha Richey. The grandfather fol
lowed the occupation of milling for a time and later, in 1854, settled
in Dayton county and engaged in farming. The father, A. R. Daugh-
enbaugh, came to Webster county in 1867. In the fall of the follow-
ing year he came to Gowrie and engaged in banking and real estate.
When the Rock Island Railroad was built through this part of the

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 293

s?Tte he purchased some of the right-of-way for the company and at
ti.ac time became interested in different places along the line of that
road and later acquired interests in a number of different mercantile
stores and also in several elevators. He was affiliated with the re-
publican party and for twenty-five years filled the office of postmaster
of Gowrie. He was mayor of the city, for many years treasurer of
Gowrie and a member of the school board- He held membership in
Rose Lodge, No. 509, F. & A. M., and died May 29, igcx). His widow
survixxs him.

A. F. Daughenbaugh was reared at home and received his early
education in the public schools and later graduated from the Des
Moines high school. He afterward pursued a course of instruction in
the Bryant & Stratton Business College in Chicago and was later
graduated from the Drake College of Law. He then engaged in the
banking and real-estate business in Gowrie, to which he has since con-
tinued to devote his attention.

In October, 1903, Mr. Daughenbaugh was united in marriage to
Miss Lottie Spangler, a daughter of John and Emma (Wingert)
Spangler. The father came from Franklin, Illinois, to Gowrie, in
1890, and is one of the prominent contractors and builders of that
place. Mr. Daughenbaugh is at present a member of the town council.
He is one of the active, enterprising citizens of Webster county and
a man who is well and favorably known throughout this portion of
the state-

NORMAN H. HART.

Nobility of character, iiigh principle and unfaltering devotion to
duty in relation to home and family, to society and to the country at
large, made Norman H. Hart a citizen whom to know was to respect
and honor. There are few who have had as great influence upon the
moral progress of Otho township and Webster county, his labors being
particularly effective in Sunday-school work. His life therefore may
w ell serve as an example to all who desire to travel the upward path,
holding at all times to the highest standards of Christian manhood.

.\lr. Hart was born in Glastonbury, Connecticut, July 10. 1826,
and was a youth of eight years when in 1834 he accompanied his
parents on their westward removal to Illinois, where he remained
through the ensuing two decades. During that period he pursued a

294 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

four years' course iu a mission institute near the city of Ouincy,
Illinois. He came of the best Xew England stock, w itli \ery pro-
nounced ideas of what constituted Christian manhood, and at that
early period laid the foundation for what proved a singularly de-
voted and useful life. In 1844 he first came to Iowa and for five
years thereafter spent his time at Danville. In the fall of 1853 he
once more came to this state in search of a location for the family and
after looking carefully over the ground finally decided upon Webster
county as the future home of the Harts. He then planted a crop of
spring wheat and on horseback returned to Illinois to assist the others
of the household in removing to the new home. The journey was made
in June, 1854, with nine yoke of oxen. They settled in Otho town-
ship and from that time until his death Norman H. Hart was con-
tinuously a valuable factor in the political, social, business and moral
development of the county. In the early days of his residence here
he had to face all the difficulties, obstacles and hardships incident to
pioneer life, but he possessed an optimistic nature in which there was
no room for i>essimism. He always looked upon the bright side and
when he encountered obstacles and difficulties met them with coura-
geous and detennined spirit, so that they were easily overcome. His
work was carefully and systematically conducted and he won a com-
fortable competence, but the attainment of wealth was never the
ultimate aim of his life. He desired to provide his family with a good
living and succeeded in this but otherwise gave his time and attention
to the higher, holier duties wliicli affect man in liis relations to his
fellowmen and his Maker. He ix)ssessed a social nature and enjoyed
the companionship of friends, always contributing his share toward
making others happy. He was genial and svmipathetic. hospitable
and kindly, and liis doors were ever open for the reception of friend
and stranger alike.

. Mr. Hart was often mentioned as an ideal husband and father.
He cultivated the graces and virtues of natural helpfulness, good-
will, harmony, peace and courtesy. He was married on the 21st of
September, i860, to Jane Marrilla Fuller, who was born in Cayuga
county. New York, Septeml)er 11. 1830, and was a daughter of Clark
and Deborah Fuller, who were also natives of the Empire state and
in 1834 removed with their family to Granville, Ohio. There the
daughter was reared to womanhood and took up the work of school
teaching. In 1853 she became a resident of Alarion, Iowa, and en-
gaged in teaching school in that place and in Eldora until 1856, when
she came to Webster county. She was a teacher in what is now

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 295

Evanston and also in Otho townships and throughout her Hfe was
deeply interested in the intellectual progress of the community. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Hart were born four children but tliree died in infancy,
the surviving daughter being Mrs. Theta Wonders, the wife of Thomas
A\'. Wonders, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The Hart house-
hold was a Christian home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hart early in life
identified themselves with the work of Christianity, and good-wiU and
love radiated from their home, which was never "just four square
walls." Its hospitality was proverbial and a Christlike sj^irit was ever
there found. Mr. and ^Irs. Hart were ever deeply and actively inter-
ested m the church work and each attended church services on the Sun-
day prior to their demise. Mr. Hart passed awa}- XoNember 22. 190S.
It was written df him: "L'ncle Xt)rnian Hart, by which endearing
term lie was known by young and old, was no ordinary character either
in intellectual power or religious principles and attainments. To a
naturally vigorous and well cultivated mind he united sterling in-
tegrity of principle, sincere and elevated piety, deep humility, ardent
zeal for the divine glory, sincere love for his brethren and strong at-
tachment to the church. His real Christian work began as teacher in
Sunday school, in which field he continued a faithful and inspiring
worker for sixty-two years. In addition to his work as teacher he
was a successful organizer, and Webster county owes to the memory
of this man of God a deep debt of gratitude for the moral tone and
spiritual life bequeathed by him through the medium of his Sunday-
school work. For fourteen years he was one of a quartette of Sun-
day school workers who traveled the length and breadth of \Vebster
county, organizing and reorganizing Sunday schools and holding
Sunday-school conventions each year in every township. The other
three members of the band were F. B. Drake, C. H. Payne and H. R.
Bradshaw. This work ]5roved a constant impetus to the Sunday
schools of the county and out of it grew several churches. He was a
firm believer in the power of Christian song and in all his church and
Sunday-school work he laid much stress upon this as an important
factor. He believed that men were called to sing the gospel as well
as to preach it. He was an instructor in vQcal music and organized
many singing classes out of which went many to sing the gospel.
Politically he was a lifelong republican, intensely patriotic and loval.
He firmly believed that the republic is a child of Providence and ever
recognized the hand of God in the guidance of its affairs and the
building of its institutions. He deplored existing evils that stand in
the way of the nation's greatest progress and glory, but he died witii

296 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

a firm faith in the God of nations and in the future of his country.
From what has already been said it scarcely needs emphasizing that
his faith in the great doctrines of Christianity was complete and
unbounded. To him the Bible was an inspired book, written by 'holy
men of old as they were mo\ed Ijy the Holy Ghost.' He had no
patience with theological trimmers. The word was the plummet, the
ultimate standard by which he squared his life, and in the end of his
days, when the body had grown weary, he was able to say: T have a
pillow on which to rest my head,' and upon that pillow — even Jesus —
he breathed his life out sweetly there. His Christian motto was —
Onward and Upward ; but he had a working motto in addition to
this, which was his guide in the everyday affairs of life as he went
in and out before his fellowmen, 'Do good and lend, hoping for
nothing again.' The universal testimony of those who knew him best
tells how closely he lived to this standard."

Mrs. Hart survived her husband for little more than a year and
passed away on the 31st of December, 1909. The Rev. Francis Fawkes
wrote of her: "A Godly woman in the prime of life, charged with
vital energy, full of faith and virtue, reverent toward God, trustful in
the Savior of men, and with a lofty ambition for ministering to human
welfare — such a woman is the mightiest agent for righteousness the
Almighty hath made on the earth. There are many such in the world
and such was Mrs. Jane Hart when she first set foot on the soil of
Webster county. The value of such a life to the moral and religious
progress of society is far above that of gold and measured by any
material standards of value, for when gold and gems lia\ e been molten
and lost in the ashes of a burned world the fruit of such a life will
aJjide and go on to grow and ripen forever and forever. Outside of the
domestic circle where Mrs. Hart reigned as ((ueen. her greatest work
for humanity was the instruction of the primary class of the Sunday
school in the teachings of the Bible. Her class usually numbered from
fifteen to forty pupils, so in the course of a half century quite an army
of these little people passed under her supervision and teaching. They
were thus in the most impressionable period of life brought under the
influence and in close contact with a Christian and motherlx- woman,
who took great interest in them long after the days of childhood. Of
the number who passed through this primary class, many remembered
the precepts of their teacher when they reached years of maturity and
reduced these precepts to service in a Christian life, and after marriage
sent another generation of children to the same teacher. Mrs. Hart
was one of the founders and organizers of the Otho Church Aid

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COl'XTY 297

Society, a body of Christian women that for more than a generation
liave been famous for their charitable good works. In ahnost every
department of church work in which a lady could act, her long life
has been one of incessant willing activity until sickness and weakness
arrested her efforts. The world's great need is that such lives should
be multiplied."

The memory of two such noble lives cannot but inspire and
encourage all who came within the radius of their influence. Viewing
such a life record as theirs, one cannot but be impressed with the fact
that it is not from the few conspicuous deeds of life that the blessings
chiefly come which make the world better, sweeter, happier, but from
the countless lowly ministries of the everydays, the little faithfulnesses
that fill long years.

TAMES ^\^ RYAN.

James W. Ryan, whose service as steward of the poor farm has
won him recognition not only as a capable agriculturist but as a
business man of keen judgment and more than average executive
ability, is a son of one of Webster county's pioneers. Although
born in the state of New York, his natal day being the 30th of Janu-
ary, 1863, he is of Irish extraction, his parents, Thomas and Cather-
ine (Dugan) Ryan, being natives of the Emerald isle. The father
came to .\merica in his early manhood, locating in the state of New
York, where he obtained employment on a railroad. After about
fifteen years residence there he remo\'ed with his family to Iowa,
locating in Webster county in 1868. He invested his small capital
in a tract of land in Badger township, which he diligently cultivated
the remainder of his life, his death occurring on his farm in October,
1872. He was long survived by the mother, who passed away in
April, 1905.

James \\'. Ryan was a child of nuly fi\c years when he accuni-
jianied his parents on their renioxal lo Iowa, and a lad of nine when
his father died. In common with the other children of the comnni-
nity he began his education in the district school, but completed his
course of study in the Shenandoah College at .Shenandoah, this slate.
After leaving college he taught schodi lOr one Urni in Badger town-
ship, and then purchased eighty acres of land and turned his atten-
tion to agricultural pursuits. Having been reared on a farm he was

298 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

thoroughly familiar with the practical methods of agriculture and
met with a fair measure of success in the cultivation of his place. He
was unusually diligent and enterprising, and ambitious to rapidly
forge ahead. In connection with his farming he also was manager
of the Humboldt Creamery Company for seven years. Although
the average man would consider either occupation sufificient to en-
gage his entire attention. Mr. Ryan success full_\- managed both and
was never absent from the factory for a day during the period of his
connection with it. He subsequently sold his farm, investing the
proceeds in a hundred and sixty acres of land located in the same
township. There he continued his agricultural pursuits for two
years, at the expiration of which time he sold his jilace and became
identified with the commercial activities of Fort Dodge. During the
succeeding seventeen years he was engaged in the implement and
hardware business in the latter city under the firm name of the Ryan
Implement & Hardware Company. Feeling that he would like to
withdraw from the confinement and exactions of commercial life he
dis]3osed of his store several years ago and subsequently accepted the
appointment to the office of steward of the poor farm. Mr. Ryan
is exceptionally well adapted for the responsibilities of this position,
as he has practically evidenced during the period of his .service. He
is a man of systematic business methods, keen discernment and sound
judgment in addition to which he possesses executive ability of more
than average standard. All of these have been exercised w ith most
gratifying results since he entered ujxju tiie duties of his present
office, and substantially manifest his fitness for the work. When
he took possession of the farm the receipts were only three hundred
and sixty-nine dollars per year, while under his supcr\ision there has
been a marked annual increase until in 191 1 his books recorded re-
ceipts to the amount of two thousand, one hundred and sixty-five
dollars, and 191 2 bids fair to reach three thousand. The expenses in
connection with operations have shown a corresponding decrease, thus
further enlarging the amount he has annually sa\ed the county.

In October, 1893, Mr. Ryan was united in marriage to Miss X'ellie
J. O'Brien, a daughter of William and Catherine (O'Connor) O'Brien,
the father a native of Wisconsin and the mother of Ireland. Mr.
O'Brien, who was a railroad contractor, came to Webster county
during the pioneer period, locating in Fort Dodge, where he pur-
sued his business until his death, which was caused by a d3'namite
explosion in November. 1887. The mother is still living and con-
tinues to reside in Fort Dodge. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan have become

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUiNTY 299

the parents of six children, as follows: Joseph, who has just grad-
uated from St, Joseph's College at Dubuque; James, who is attend-
ing high school at Fort Dodge; j\Iarie, who is a student in Sacred
Heart Academy at Fort Dodge ; Leo, who goes to the district school ;
Catherine ; and Robert.

The parents and elder members of the family are communicants
of the Roman Catholic church, and fraternally Mr. Ryan is identi-
fied with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Knights of Colum-
bus and the Catholic Order of Foresters, being a charter member of
the latter organization. He gives his political support to the demo-
cratic party and. while residing in Badger township, served as clerk
of the township. Sound principles, upright standards of citizenship
and general reliability in business transactions have united in win-
ning 'Sir. Ryan the respect and esteem of his neighbors and fellow
townsmen, who hold him in high regard and accord him their stanch
friendship.

EDAIOXD DAVID RL'SSELL, M. D.

Dr. Edmond D. Russell, now a practicing physician in Fort Dodge,
Iowa, is a keen student of the great scientific principles which under-
lie the practice of medicine and his ability has gained him a prominent
place in the medical fraternity. He was born in County Limerick,
Ireland, in 1869, and obtained his early education in the Christian
Brothers schools of that country. His family later remo\-ed to Dub-
lin, the capital of Ireland, where he was graduated in classics and
mathematics in the high school of that city. He spent two years at
the Jesuits College at Clongowswood, County Kildare, and was a
schoolmate of Frank Mahoney, the famous literateur and author,
whose fame has been immortalized liy his "Bells of Shandon." Not
satisfied with this splendid education Dr. Russell determined to pur-
sue his studies further and with this intention entered the L^^niversity
of Dublin, from which he was graduated after completing the pre-
scribed course of study. He came to .America, and having determined
to make the i)raclice of medicine his life \\i)rk entered the medical
department of the Iowa .State I'niversity. The quality of the work
which he did in this capacity soon gave him the recognition of the
faculty and made him popular with his classmates, Wlicn he had
completed his course he was appointed instructor in the university

300 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

under Dr. Chase, his duties to consist of tutoring deficient students
in the matriculation requirements. He held this position for some
time. When he left the university he settled in Clare. Webster county,
and immediately engaged in the practice of his profession. Rapid
and enviable success attended his efforts and he was soon known as
one of the able and efficient physicians of his adopted city. He has
always been a firm believer in the value of a thorough vocational
ecjuipment. When he came to America he had already attained a
degree of education far beyond the common order, but after some
years of medical practice in Clare, Iowa, he removed to Chicago in
order to further perfect himself in medicine and surgery. He took
post-graduate courses, two at the Chicago Clinical School and two at
the Chicago Post Graduate School, and when he at length definitely
completed his studies he was equipped with a splendid education along
specialized lines. This has been of great value to him in his life and
has been the means of his gaining his present high place among his
his medical brethren.

Dr. Russell maintained his residence in Clare and was active in
the practice of his profession in that city until 1910 when he removed
to h'ort Dodge and has since been prominent in this city. Dr. Rus-
sell has, besides his medical career, one other vital and important m-
terest in life. He is an ambitious and distinguished journalist and
his writings have obtained for him a reputation for clear, concise and
striking literary style. His family has always been interested finan-
cially with the Sullivans in the operation of the Dublin Nation, one
of the largest newspapers in Ireland. He has kept up his contribu-
tions to these journals and is well known in Webster county as a
graphic and telling writer. He has now in the press a book of his
essays contributed at various times in .America and in Ireland. He
founded and edited for two years a newspaper in Clare called the
Clare Examiner. He was prominently identified with the local press
for several vears and only relin(|uished his connection with it when
he was comi)elled to do so by the pressing duties in connection with
his profession. For fourteen years he was a contributor to the Mes-
senger of Fort Dodge and within the past years has devoted his time
exclusively to contributions to the medical press and to his profes-
sional work.

During the course of his career Dr. Russell has acquired a com-
fortable fortune which he has invested judiciously. He owns a farm
in Clare and a licautiful and commodious home at 1326 Second ave-

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 301

nue, South, Fort Dodge. He is interested in tlie business develop-
ment of Clare, Iowa, and owns a line business block in tliat city.

Politically he is a republican and takes an intelligent interest in
national and local affairs but is prevented from holding public office
by the arduous duties of his literary and professional work. He is
a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Ancient Order of
Hibernians and the Knights of Columbus. He also is prominent in
the Onlcr of Eagles and in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
He gives his allegiance to the Roman Catholic church and is an active
worker in religious circles.

He married in 1899 Miss Johannah Wall, a daughter of Pierce
and Johannah S. Wall, both natives of Ireland. To their union were
born si.x children. Dr. Russell is a thorough and interested student
of medicine and of broad culture along literary lines. He adds to
his ability as a physician and to his remarkable and specialized knowl-
edge in this line the distinction of being a courteous and refined gen-
tleman and a man who in every relation of life is without fear and
without reproach.

THOMAS \V. W^ONDERS.

Thomas W. Wonders is busily engaged in the operation of an ex-
cellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 20, Otho
township. His birth occurred in Kewanee, Illinois, on the 5th of
September, i860, his parents being Thomas and Elizabeth (Bennett)
Wonders, more extended mention of whom is made on another page
of this work in connection with the sketch of John W. Wonders, a
brother of our subject.

Thomas W. Wonders acquired his education largely in Boone
county, Iowa, being four years of age when the family home was
there established. He went into the coal mines when a youth of
twelve and was thus employed until twenty-five years of age. About
1885 he came to Webster county and embarked in the mercantile busi-
ness in association with his brother at Kalo, while later the brothers
opened a store at Otho, continuing to operate the same until 1901.
For some time afterward Mr. Wonders was not identified with any
business pursuit and traveled to some extent. Subsequently, in asso-
ciation with others, he became engaged in the brick and tile business
at Kalo, remaining an active factor in its conduct for about li\e vears

302 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

and still retaining an interest in the concern, which is known as the
Central Brick & Tile Company. He next operated a rented farm for
two years, \i:as then married and has since devoted his attention to the
cultivation of his wife's property, which comprises one hundred and
twenty acres of rich and productive land on section 20, Otho town-
ship. In the work of the fields he has employed modern methods of
agriculture and success has attended his undertakings.

On the 28th of December, 191 1, Mr. Wonders was united in mar-
riage to I\Irs. Theta (Hart) Findlay, the widow of George Findla}'^
and a daughter of Xorman and Jane (Fuller) Hart, a sketch of whom
appears on another page of this volume. Theta Hart, who was bom
on the home farm on the 27th of October, 1863, gave her hand in
marriage to George Findlay, a farmer of Otho township, who died
on the 17th of January, 1908. They adopted two children : Ra}anond,
who is twenty-two- years of age and follows farming in Otho town-
ship; and Berdena, who is fourteen years old and lives at home.

At the polls Mr. Wonders supports the prohibition ticket, for it
is his opinion that the licpior traffic is an e\il which should be eradi-
cated. In religious faith he is a Methodist, while his wife belongs
to the Congregational church. Mr. and Mrs. Wonders are people of
highest worth and respectability, and their pleasant home finds favor
with their numerous friends.

CHARLES H. WOOD.\RD.

Charles H. Woodard is engaged in the real-estate business in
Gowrie, Iowa. He was born in Vermont, in 1868, and is a son of
Jane Woodard, who now resides at What Cheer, Iowa. At the early
age of five years he came to Redfield, Dallas county, Iowa, and took
up iii^^ abode with John Payton. who was a farmer. He continued
to live with Mr. Payton until he was sixteen years of age, during
wliich time he received his elementary education in the public schools
and later pursued a course of instruction in the Dexter Business Col-
lege. He afterward was engaged for one year in teaching in
that institution. He later took up work in a general store at Ken-
nedy. Iowa, where he remained for three years, after which
time he was employed as a traveling salesman for a Chicago grain
comjjany and continued in that business for two months. In the fall
of 1890 he established his residence in Gowrie. where he engaged in

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 303

buying grain for Councilman & Company of Chicago. He later re-
ceived from President Cleveland the appointment of postmaster of
Gowrie and in that office continued for four years. He then had
charge of the elevators and was station agent at Lena until i8g6,
after which time he established himself in the real-estate business
under the firm name of the Woodard Land Company and has since
continued to devote his attention to that business, in which he has
been successful, and is now the owner of two thousand acres of land.
Mr. W'oodard is affiliated with the democratic party and is a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Gowrie and the Knights
of Pythias. He has served as councilman for four years and was
elected to the office of mayor, in which he served for two years. He
is at present justice of the peace and is a member of the park com-
mission. Mr. Woodard is one of the well known aind enterprising
citizens of W^ebster county and a man who is held in high esteem by
all his friends and associates.

WILLIAM SCHNURR.

William Schnurr and his brother, George, proprietors of the Kalo
Brick & Tile Company, have one of the largest plants of its kind
in the state. The former has been a resident of Webster county for
almost one-third of a century and is prominent in business circles
here. His birth occurred in Buffalo, Scott county, Iowa, on the 23d
of October, 1870, his parents being Andrew and Amelia (Haase)
Schnurr, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ohio.
Andrew Schnurr crossed the .\tlantic to the United States when a
youth of thirteen, locating at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked as
a farm hand to the time of his marriage. wSubsequently he removed
to Memphis, Tennessee, and was engaged in steamboating on the
Mississippi for some time. Later he came to Iowa, locating at liuffalo,
Scott county, w here he was eni|)loyed as weighmaster by a coal com-
pany for several years. Removing to Chickasaw county, he purchased
a farm of eighty acres and devoted his attention to its 0])eration for
four years. On the expiralinn nf lh;it period be took up his abode
in Otho township, Webster county, this state, being here employed as
weighmaster for the Craig Coal Company until 1893. In that year
he embarked in the lumber and grain business at Otho, successfully
conducting an enter])rise in thai line until njO-', when he sold out to
his son-in-law, I. W . Wnudcrs. and retired frnm active business.

304 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

He has attained the age of seventy-two years and resides at L'pland,
California. His wife was called to her final rest on the 29th of
Novemher, 1902.

William Schnurr attended school in Chickasaw county, Iowa, for
three years, and then continued his studies in Webster county, being
ten years of age when I)rougl:t here by his parents. When a youth of
fifteen he entered the employ of the Craig Coal Company at Otho,
remaining with that concern until 1897. In that year, with his
brother George, he i)urchased the brick and tile plant of Johnson
Brothers near Kalo and they have operated the same continuously
since, under the firm name of the Kalo Brick & Tile Company.
Their daily out]nit is aliout eight car loads, and the enterprise is
continually growing under the able management and direction of its
])roprietors. William Schnurr is a stockholder and director in the
following concerns: the Otho Mercantile Company, the Leighton
Supply Company of Fort Dodge, the Fort Dodge National Bank and
the Monarch Telephone Manufacturing Company of Fort Dodge. He
has a handsome residence in Otho and also owns three hundred and
twenty acres of valuable farm land in Otho township in association
with his brother George.

On the 20th of June. 1895. Mr. Schnurr was united in marriage to
Miss Elizabeth Dawson, a daughter of Jerry and Mary J. (Wonders)
Dawson, tlie funuer a native of P^ngland and the latter of Illinois.
Mr. and Mrs. .Solunirr lia\e three children, as follows: Mary A.,
who is eie\en years old; and .Vndrew D. and Lee. who arc nine and
se\en years of age, respectively.

William Schnurr is a stanch re])ublican and in religious faith a
Methodist. Fraternally he is connected with the local organization
of the Modern Woodmen of America. His upright and honorable
methods commend him to the confidence of all with whom he comes
in contact, either in business or .social relations, and no man in
the community is held in higher esteem than is Mr. Schnurr.

THOMAS DOXAHOE.

Among those who have been prominently connected with the prog-
ress and development of Clare must be mentioned Thomas Donahoe,
president of the State Bank, who has also been actively identified with
local ])olitics and has l)cen tlic incumbent of. the oftice of treasurer ever

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 305

since the town was incorporated. A native of Pennsylvania, his birth
occurred in the town of Hazelton, on the 25th of June, 1847, his parents
being James and Ann (Garahan) Donahoe, natives of Ireland. Of
their marriage were born eiglit children, of whom our subject is the
eldest. The other members of the family are as follows: Peter M.,
who passed away in 1910; Charles, whose death occurred in 1859;
Ellen, who died in 1854; Mary, who died in i860; Rose Ann, the first
white child born in Pocahontas county; Mary J.; and Charles J.
mayor of Clare, where he is also engaged in the mercantile business.
The father emigrated to the United States from Ireland in 1839,
being at that time twenty-four years of age. For a short period he
made his home in the state of New York, 1jut he suljsequently went to
Pennsylvania. He was a miner and for sixteen years was employed
in the coal fields of the latter .state. In the .spring of 1855, he removed
witli his family to Dubuque, Iowa, where he prospected for a year.
At the expiration of that time he continued his journey westward to
Webster county, and for four years worked in the mines of L'ort
Dodge, during which time the family resided in Pocahontas county,
where he had preempted a quarter section of land, and he subsequently
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. For seven years he ap-
plied himself diligently to the cultivation of his farm, and then re-
turned to Webster county. He here continued farming in Johnson
township, where he bought a hundred and sixty acres of land- The
dexelopment of this latter property engaged his undivided attention
until 1887, when he retired and removed to Clare, where his death
occurred in April, 1899. The mother passed away in September, 1895.
Thomas Donahoe was eight years of age when his parents left
Pennsyhania and nine when they located in Webster county. His
education was begun in the public schools of his native state and con-
tinued in those of Iowa, following wliicii he assisted in llie cultiva-
tion of the home farm. He remained with his parents until 1895, and
in August of that year he removed to Clare and assumed tlie duties
of cashier of the State Bank. He retained this position until 191 1,
w hen he was promoted to the office of president, which he still retains.
The bank was organized in May, 1889, and during the intervening
years it has developed into one of the strong financial institutions of
the county. Mr. Donahoe has acquired extensive realty interests in
tills section, owning farms in both Jack.son and Jolinson townships,
and also property in Clare. He is a stockholder in the cement plant
at Gilmore and is interested in various other local industries, I^eing
one of the substantial citizens of Webster countv.

306 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

Mr. Donahoe is a communicant of the Roman Catliolic church.
PoHticaH}^ he is a democrat and served as clerk of Johnson township
for sixteen years and he has also lield the office of trustee, while during
the period of his residence in Johnson township he discharged the
duties of assessor. He has always been interested in the development
of the community and has supported all movements calculated to ad-
vance the welfare of its citizens. The practical ideas and progressive
methods of Mr. Donahoe, as manifested in the discharge of his duties
in both public and private life, no less than his sterling qualities of
character have won him the esteem and high regard of many of his
fellow townsmen.

FRANK A. SCHNURR,

Frank A, Schnurr, an enteqarising and successful agriculturist
residing in Otho township, ojierates a well improved fann of one
hundred and sixty acres on section 7, which he owns in association
with his brother William. His birth occurred in Memphis, Tennessee,
on the 6th of November, 1864, his parents being Andrew and Amelia
(Haase) Schnurr, the former a native of Germany and the latter of
Ohio. .Andrew Schnurr crossed the Atlantic to the United States
when a youth of thirteen, locating at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he
worked as a farm hand until the time of his marriage. Following
tliat important e\'ent in his life he reniuxed U> Memphis, Tennessee,
being engaged in steamboating on the Mississippi for some time. Sub-
sequently he came to Iowa, locating at Buffalo, Scott county, where
he was employed as weighmaster by a coal company for several years.
Removing to Chickasaw county, he purchased a farm of eight)- acres
and devoted his attention to its operation for four years. On the ex-
piration of that period he took up his abode in Otho township. Web-
ster county, this state, being here employed as weighmaster for the
Craig Coal Company until 1893. In that year he emljarked in the
lumber and grain business at Otho, successfully conducting an en-
teqirise of that character until 1902, when he sold out to his son-in-
law, J. W. Wonders, and retired from active business cares. He has
now- attained the age of seventy-two years and resides at Upland,
California. His wife was called to her final rest on the 29th of
November. 1902.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 307

Frank A. Schnurr, who was two years of age when Ijrouglit to
this state by his parents, obtained his early education in Buffalo, Scott
county, and later continued his studies in Chickasaw county. After
putting aside his text-books he worked for his father, remaining un-
der the parental roof until twenty-three years of age. For about
twenty years thereafter he was engaged in coal mining and then rented
a tract of land, which he cultivated for four years. At the end of that
time, in association with his brother, William, he purchased a farm
of one hundred and sixty acres on section 7, Otho township, impro\ed
the property and has since been busily engaged in its operation. His
undertakings as an agriculturist have been attended with success, the
well tilled fields annually yielding golden harvests in return for the
care and labor which he bestows upon them. He is a stockholder in
the Fanners Elevator Company of Otho and is widely recognized
as a substantial and representative citizen of his community.

In November, 1886, Mr. Schnurr was united in marriage to Miss
Kate Trvin, a daughter of Walter and Helen (Grant) Irvin, who were
born in Ireland and Scotland respectively. Our subject and his wife
have seven children, as follows: Millie, who gave her hand in mar-
riage to Otto Bargreen and resides at Fort Dodge, Iowa; Maude;
Blanche ; Jennie ; William ; Robert ; and Edna.

Mr. Schnurr gives his political allegiance to the republican party
and is one of the present trustees of Otho township. He has also
served as school director, the cause of education ever finding in him
a stanch champion. His religious faith is that of the Methodist
church, while fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen
of America. Earnest effort and intelligently directed labor have
ever constituted the salient features of his business career, while his
life has been governed by high principles that have gained for him the
respect and good-will of his fellowmen.

FRAXK n. I-RAHM.

Frank H. Frahm, filling the office of county supervisor is found
to be a faithful and efficient incumbent in that position. More-
over, he has long been well known as a representative farmer of
the county. He was born in Coojier township, \Vebstcr county,
Iowa, Novcmhcr 16, 1871, a son of (i)acliim and Lauretta (Ebert)
Frahm, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father
came to America when he was but sixteen years of age. When

308 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

the Civil war broke out. he enlisted for service in Company I,
Thirty-second Iowa Volunteer Infantry and served throughout
the war. Upon his arrival in this country he settled in Chicago,
but before the beginning of the war removed to Fort Dodge.
After he was mustered out of service he returned to this city and
purchased a farm near Dayton. He resided there only a short
time before selling and purchasing the south half of the north-
west quarter of section 36 in Cooper township. He immediately
began improving this property and was actively engaged in its
cultivation until 1894. During those years he brought it under
a high state of cultivation and his life was one of intense and well
directed activity. He also purchased the south half of the north-
east quarter of section 35, the north half of the southeast quarter
of section 35 in Cooper township and the northwest quarter
of section 2^. In 1894 he removed to Manson, Iowa, where he
purchased another farm. He resided there until his death which
occurred on the 24th of October. 1S97. The mother is still living
on the old home place in Cooper township at the age of seventy-
three years.

F'rank H. Frahm spent his boyhood and youth under the par-
ental roof, and the common schools of Iowa afiforded him his
educational advantages until he was prepared to enter the German
schools of Fort Dodge. He remained with his parents until he
became of age when he began to learn stationary engineering.
He worked at that trade in I'ort Dodge intermittently for about
si.\ vears. .\fter his father's death he determined to take up
agricultural pursuits and he purchased a farm which his father
had previously owned. His early home training had given him
some experience in agriculture and he has become a most suc-
cessful farmer. His is one of the most impro\'ed one hundred and
si.xtv acre farms in the county, lie also devotes considerable at-
tention to stock-raising.

In February, 1897. I\[r. Frahm was married to Miss Christina
Yunker, a daughter of H. and Etta (Zimmerman) Yunker, both
natives of Germany, their daughter Christina having been born
there F'ebruarv 18, 1870. The parents never came to this coun-
try. In his native land the father was a miller by trade and
worked at that occupation the greater part of his life. Later he pur-
chased twenty acres of land which he operated until his death
which occurred in 1909. The mother passed away in 1886.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 309

Both Mr. and ^Irs. Fralim are members of tlie Presbyterian church
and are most highly esteemed people. Mr. Frahm belongs to
the Masonic Lodge, the Rednien and the Ancient Order of United
A\'orkmen. His political allegiance has ever been given to the
republican party and his fellow citizens have elected him a mem-
ber of the county board of supervisors. No public trust reposed
in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree, and his
fidelity to honorable and manly principles in fraternal, social,
religious and political circles has ever won for him the good-will
of those with whom he has been brought into contact.

\\TLLI.\M CREGAN.

William Cregan has been a resident of Webster county since he
was four years of age and has for some time been successfully en-
gaged in various lines of business activity in Barnum, where he is
now conducting an up-to-date and fast-growing general store. He
was born in Illinois in October, 1873, and is a son of Robert and
Bridget (Welch) Cregan, natives of Ireland. His father came to
America in his early youth and settled in New York, where he worked
out by the month as a farm hand for some time. He later went to
Illinois, where he operated a farm until he removed to Webster county.
Here he rented land in Johnson township which he cultivated until
he purchased one hundred and twenty acres in the same section, w hich
he operatetl until 1909, when he disposed of his holdings and moved
to Barnum. wht-re he is now li\ing- retired. His wife passed away
in Sejiteniber, lyi i.

Mr. Cregan was reared and educated in Webster county, being
four years of age when he came to this section with his parents.
When he grew to manhood he herded cattle for a few years, abandon-
ing this occupation in order to engage in general agriculture. He
rented a farm in Johnson township and was successful in the cultiva-
tion (jf the soil fur five years. .\t the end of that time he moved to
Barnum and conducted a livery for hve years. He sold out his
interests at the end of that time and became i<kMUifie<l with the drug
business for a similar period, after which he estal)lished himself in
the mercantile line. He strives to keep a large stock, complete in
every detail and has his goods tastefully and attractively arranged.
He owns the building which he occupies and in it carries on a fiourish-

voi. n— 1 8

310 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

ing and constantly expanding business, which makes him one of
the substantial and enterprising merchants of his city. He owns in
addition an eighty-acre tract of land in Minnesota.

Mr. Cregan is a stanch republican and always votes the party
ticket. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church. His business
success has come as a natural result of industry and intelligent activity.
He strives to keep pace with advancing progress and never allows
his stock to become out of date. He keeps his methods of operation
modern, while he adheres constantly to the old standard of strict
honestv in all the relations of his life.

JOHN W. WONDERS.

John W. Wonders, successfully engaged in business as the pro-
prietor of a lumberyard at Otho, was born in Illinois in July, 1863,
his parents being Thomas and Elizabeth (Bennett) Wonders, both
of whom were natives of England. The father, who worked as a
miner in that country, was employed in the coal mines of Pennsyl-
vania after coming to the United States. Subsequently he removed
to Illinois and later came to Iowa, locating in Boone county, where
he was engaged in mining for some time. Coming to Webster
county, he first worked in the coal mines here but afterward em-
barked in the mercantile business at Kalo, conducting an establish-
ment of that character until his death, which occurred in 1884. His
wife was called to her final rest in 1889.

John W. Wonders, who was about nine years of age when he
came to Webster county with his parents, was here educated and
reared to manhood. He embarked in the mercantile business at
Kalo in association with his brothers and later opened a store at
Ogden, which was subsequently closed out. The brothers then began
business at Otho, conducting stores at Kalo and Otho for about
twentv vears, on the exjMration of which period they dissolved the
partnership. John W. Wonders afterward made his way to Eort
Dodge, where he spent a year with the Granger Implement Com-
pany, in which he still retains an interest. Returning to Otho. he
purchased a lumberyard and has since been successfully engaged
in business along this line. He is a stockholder in the Farmers
Elevator Company of Otho and well deserves recognition among
the substantial and progressive citizens of the community.

HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY 311

In October, 1890. Mr. Wonders was iinitetl in marriage to .Miss
Emma Schnurr, who was born near Davenport, Iowa, in 1867, her
parents being Andrew and Amelia (Hasse) Schnurr. Her father,
who was for a number of years engaged in the lumber and grain
business at Otho, is now a resident of California. The mother is
deceased, her demise occurring in November, 1903. Mr. and Mrs.
Wonders have three children, Sylvia, Frank and Donald. John W.
Wonders exercises his right of franchise in support of the prohibi-
tion ticket, being a stanch advocate of the cause of temperance. In
religious faith he is a Methodist. Both he and his estimable wife
have a host of warm friends throughout the community and justly
merit the regard and esteem which is uniformly accorded them.

WILLARD C. AIXS WORTH.

Willard C. Ainswqrth is the owner of a valuable farm of four
hundred and eighty acres in Douglas township, where he has been
identified w'ith the agricultural interests for over forty-five years,
having located here soon after he was mustered out of the army
in 1865. He belongs to an old New York family and was born in
Madison county, that state, on December 6, 1837, his parents be-
ing Leroy and Mary (Carpenter) Ainsworth. The parents passed
their entire lives in the Empire state, where the father followed
the blacksmith's trade. He passed away in 1892 and the mother
in 1884.

The first twenty-three years in the life of Willard C Ainsworth
were passed in the state of his nativity. He was reared at home
and given the advantages of a lietter education than was re-
ceived by the average youth of that period. In i860, he left the
parental home and came to Iowa, locating in Hamilton county.
After a year's residence there he removed to Boone, where he
taught school until May, 1864. when he went to Davenport and
enlisted in the army. He went to tiie front as a member of
Company D, Thirty-second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, remaining
in the service until the close of hostilities, during which period
he was incapacitated for a time by a broken leg. When mustered
out he returned to Boone county, but suhsec|ucntly came to W^eb-
ster county, purchasing eighty acres of land in Douglas town-
ship, which formed tlie nucleus of his present farm. He

312 HISTORY OF WEBSTER COUNTY

experienced many discouragements and hardships during those
early days, having been compeHed to pay for his original tract of
land three times, because of a dispute in the- title. Owing to the
scarcity of money and the general conditions then existing in
the business world this unfortunate circumstance greatly retarded
his progress and to a man of less resolution of purpose would
have proven hopelessly discouraging. Mr. Ainsworth, however,
is most persistent and enterprising and applied himself with the
determination that enabled him to surmount his difficulties and
gradually forge ahead. Y'ear by year he was able to advance his
interests and extend the boundaries of his farm until he held the
title to four hundred and eighty acres of fertile land. The place
is well improved and equipped and is one of the valuable prop-
erties of the township. Mr. Ainsworth has prospered in his un-
dertakings of recent years and is now numbered among the sub-
stantial citizens of his community. Beside farming interests he is
one of the stockholders of the First National Bank of Fort D'odge.

In Webster county, in Se])leml)er. \X(>^. ]\lr. Ainsworth was
married to Miss Julia A. Stexens. a daughter of Socrates G.
and Harriet (Jones) Stevens, who are mentioned at greater
length elsewhere in this work. To them have been born five
children, as follows: Harriet M., who lives at home; Minnie A.,
the wife of E. D. \\'ilson. an attorney at Jefferson. Iowa: W'illard
L., wdio is operating his father's farm : Adelaide L., formerly a
practicing physician of Waterloo, Iowa, who passed away in
April, 1904; and Alburn S.. who is a lawyer at Thompson Falls.
Montana.

The family affiliate with the Congregational church, and fra-
ternally Air. Ainsworth is a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic. Politically he is a republican, giving his support to
the progressive faction of that party. A man oi many estimable
qualities, honest and upright in matters of business and straight-
forward and reliable in all transactions. Mr. Ainsworth enjoys the
respect and esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens, who have
had ample opportunity to prove his worth during the long period
of his residence in the community.

INDEX

Acher, A. E 19ii

Ainsworth, W. C 311

Allstot, C. H 138

Alton, W. E 16G

Anderson, C. A SO

Anderson, S. E. E 6l'

Arent, Charles 106

Ashton. Thomas 63

Ashton, J. B < 65

Baldwin, H. H ..217

Baldwin, Dr. H. H 277

Barrowman, 'Wiilliam 206

Bass, James 110

Beshey, A. L 130

Bloom, Erie 24.5

Bohnenkamp, C. A 36

Brown, E. V 119

Burgfried, Edward 280

Burke, P. T 279

Burnquisr, B. B 49

Campbell, .Tames 37

Carey, ilary A 88

Carter, Stewart 86

Christensen, Chris 182

Coffin, L. S 148

Colby, W. H. H 209

Collins, Hugh 90

Corey, M, N U

Courtright, J. E 22')

Craig, Frank, Sr 243

Cregan, 'William 309

Daly, M. R 79

Daiighenbaugh, A. F 292

Davidson, E. T 201

Dawley, A, JI 207

Dawson, T. H 143

Dean, S. M 117

Doftiver, J. J 272

Dolliver, J. P IS

Dolliver. V. B 284

Donahoe, Thomas 304

Drake, F. B 130

Duncombe, C. F 282

Diincombe, J. P 5

Dunning, E. M 96

Dwyer, J. D 46

Dwyer, Owen 236

Eastman, J. H 17)

Ekfelt, A. J 48

Fallon, J. C 102

Faw kes, Francis 215

Findlav, C. V 249

Flanagan, P. F 219

Flvnn, P. T 104

Ford, J. F 91

Forsberg, W. 193

Fortney, G. W 247

Fortnev, J. D 100

Frahm, F. H 307

Granger, C. L . . .211

Green, Darwin 97

Gruver, Perrv 124

Guhl, A. H. F 220

Gnrnetf, M. D 54

Gurnett, T. F 224

Hagans, J. W 136

Halligan, T. J 180

Hanrahan, .John 192

Hanson, O. C 70

Hart, G. D 74

Hart, N. H 293

Hastings, E. E 44

Haviland, W. C 227

Haviland, W. E 107

Hcaly, M. F 256

Hepler, C. B 176

Houge, A. E 81

Houge, P. A 271

Hunter, B. P 238

Jones, A. W.

68

Kendall, Eilward 202

Kime, .1. W 121

Knudson, C. C 265

Knutson, A<lolph 162

Knutson, Alfred 162

Larrabee, Charles 6

Larrabee, Frederic 213

Larrabee, William 31

Lauderdale. Maude 134

Lind, J. A 82

Lindberg, A. C 42

Lindberg, J. A 262

Lindquist, J. A 98

Lingard, G. E 145

Lingard, William 140

Lowrv, J. D 17

Lundberg, C. V 188

Lutz, F. F 179

313

314

INDEX

MeDermott, W. J 85

McNeely, Theulious 92

McQuilkin, A. D 254

Mallinger, Peter 146

Mason, G. W 233

Messerole. C. G 289

Miller, L. V 183

Mitchell, P. M 260

MollenJioff, August 286

Monk, J. F 33

Mulroney, J. M 172

Myrland", L. 142

Newdeek, L. W 163

Nicholson, W. Ii 56

Oleson, O. M 101

Olney, F. B 38

Parsons, C. D 129

Patton, A. F 50

Pearsons, G. B 244

Peterson, T. K 190

Post, "W. J 291

Powers, Walter 269

Pratt, H. M 237

Pratt, L. H 274-

Prusia, F. E 11

Richards, A. L 184

E07, Emma 165

Euebel, Frederick 15

Eussell, E. D 299

Rutledge, J. 1 108

Eyan, J. W 297

Schnurr, F. A 306

Schnurr, George 84

Schnurr, "William 303

Sims, T. F 232

Springer, F. M 71

Springer, G. F 230

Stevens, Marv J 253

Swanson, S. P 195

Swanstrom, C. J 72

Tennant, A. E 197

Todd, John 61

Turner, W. E 13

Wagner, N. J 123

Weiss, E. L 89

Wildman, W. M 251

WJlliams, E. H 288

Williams, J. B 27

Wonders, J. W 310

Wonders, T. W 301

Woodard, C. H 302

Woodard, O. J 10

Wright, A. E 267

Wright, E. M 66

Yant, O. G 127

23 1932

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-< - I , 111 JULfl'

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